By Karen James
In a major breakthrough, the Anambra State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam, has apprehended six suspects during separate stop-and-search operations across the state. The arrests led to the recovery of dangerous weapons and other incriminating items.
Recovered items include one locally made double-barrel gun, one locally made revolver pistol, one 7.62mm live ammunition, a metal axe, a gallon of suspected hard drugs, a Q-Link motorcycle (Reg No. JRV 760 QH), a local pot, red and white ritual materials with NBM and Number 7 inscriptions, candles, three Android phones, and four ATM cards.
On February 2, 2025, at about 8:00 am, police operatives attached to the Anaku Divisional Headquarters intercepted eight suspects riding on a motorcycle at the Anaku/Omor Junction. Upon seeing the police, the suspects attempted to flee, prompting a hot pursuit by officers.
Three suspects, identified as Okafor Chibike, Ekene Lucky Nwadigbu, and Godwin Osaz, all residents of Omor, were apprehended. A search of their belongings revealed concealed firearms, including a locally made double-barrel gun, a locally made revolver pistol, a dagger, three Android phones, and four ATM cards.
Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects are members of the Aye Confraternity and were en route to their initiation ground. One of their motorcycles was also seized.
In a separate incident on February 1, 2025, at 7:43 pm, operatives from the Awgbu Divisional Headquarters intercepted three suspects in a tricycle during a security screening at Eke Awgbu Junction. The suspects were identified as Chidera Nwochia (20) from Amiri Orlu, Imo State; Chizurumu Elvis (23) from Mbano, Imo State; and Kosisochukwu Obiechina (21) from Agukwu Nri, Anambra State.
A search of the tricycle revealed one 7.62mm live ammunition, a black axe, a gallon of suspected hard drugs, a local pot, and ritual paraphernalia, including red and white clothes and candles. The suspects admitted to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity and were en route to an initiation ceremony. The tricycle used for transportation was also impounded.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that all suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their vigilance and reassured residents of the command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across Anambra State.
The Anambra State Police Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
