ANAMBRA POLICE ARREST WANTED SUSPECT OVER ALLEGED ARMED ROBBERY, KIDNAPPING

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old wanted suspect, Udochukwu Okafor, popularly known as Small-Moto, during an operation in Ebenebe community, Awka North Local Government Area.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, arrested the suspect on Saturday following an intelligence-led operation.

Ikenga said preliminary interrogation revealed that Okafor allegedly snatched a pump-action firearm from a vigilante operative in Ebenebe.

He added that the suspect had been on the command’s wanted list over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related activities and secessionist-related offences.

According to the statement, the suspect also reportedly disclosed that he possessed a locally made short gun, which he and other members of his alleged gang were said to have used in their criminal operations.

The police spokesperson further said Okafor allegedly admitted to belonging to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Aro-Baggers”, a group suspected of involvement in cult-related violence in Awka and its environs.

Ikenga said the command had intensified investigations to recover the firearms allegedly mentioned by the suspect and establish the full extent of his suspected involvement in criminal activities.

He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the gang who remained at large.

“The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. The command assures residents that efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities will be sustained in the interest of public safety and security,” the statement said.

The command added that further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.