The Anambra State Police command says it has arrested 103 suspected cultists and armed robbers during the 2018 December and January 3019 Christmas and New Year festive periods.
The State Police Commissioner, Garba Umar, in a release signed on his behalf by Police Public Relations Officer, Haruna Muhammed, said the command which made the arrest through its Special Anti Cultism Unit (FSARS) and Divisional Police commands recovered 2 guns, 5 ammunitions, 2 machetes, 2 axes and other incriminating items.
According Umar, 4 suspected cultists were arrested at Umunachi, Dunukofia LGA; 17 at Onitsha; Umoji and Umokpu Awka 15 Suspects; and 4 at Oko.
Others were 8 arrested at Ifitedunu; Awada/Ekwusigo 3 Suspects; Ezi-Eliase 1; Ihiala 4 Suspected cultists/murder suspects arrested; Aguleri axis 5 suspects arrested; Okpuno/Abakaliki Street 10 suspects arrested; Awka 6 suspects; Umuawulu/Nibo/Nise 5 suspects; Umoaba Anam 1; Awka North 5 ; and Nkpor/Ogidi area 12 suspects.
“Meanwhile, out of the 100 suspects arrested so far, 27 have confessed and charged to Court, 37 were screened and released, while 36 others are undergoing investigation,” the Police boss added.
Continuing, he said that on “ the 24/12/2018 armed robbers attacked one Linus Emeka and snatched his Lexus jeep with REG NO. ENU 779 NX at Gunpoint. Following the incident police Detectives attached to FSARS Awkuzu trailed and arrested two suspects in their hideout at Ifite Awka on the 30/12/2018 at about 6pm as follows.
“They are Ebuka Emekwite aged 26 years and, Uchendu Afunwa aged 25 years all ‘m’ of Obosi area of Idemili North LGA of Anambra State. Suspects confessed to be members of same syndicate who robbed the complainant. Exhibit recovered in their possession include One Baretta pistol with six rounds of .9mm live ammunition. Case under investigation after which suspects would be charged to Court for prosecution.
“On the 2/1/2019 at about 2:30 pm following intelligence report, Police detectives attached to FSARS Awka in conjunction with vigilante group in Ebenebe arrested one Mabuchi Chinwuba ‘m’ of Ebenebe Awka.”