By Karen James
In a decisive operation, the Anambra State Police Command has apprehended two suspects involved in an armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms. The suspects, Michael Chinweze, alias “Small,” a 20-year-old from Iwollo, Eziagu LGA of Enugu State, and 25-year-old Mmesoma Agba from Enugwu-Nanka, were arrested on January 24, 2025, at 4:54 pm by a joint security team comprising officers from the Oko Divisional Headquarters and AVG Amaokpala.
The operation, which followed an intelligence-driven investigation, led to the recovery of a pump-action gun, a mobile phone, a black handbag, and two tiny glasses suspected to be drug paraphernalia.
The arrests were linked to a robbery reported on January 22, 2025, where the suspects, alongside an accomplice still at large, allegedly dispossessed a victim near Oko Community Hospital. The stolen items included a red Cub motorcycle with registration number WER 137 GV, valued at ₦1.3 million, a Techno mobile phone, an ATM card, and ₦38,000 in cash from the victim’s shop proceeds.
During interrogation, Michael Chinweze confessed to stealing the pump-action gun from a hotel security post in Amaokpala. Preliminary investigations also revealed that Mmesoma Agba, a mother of two, is the widow of a gang member who was neutralized by the police during a prior criminal operation.
In response, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka. He also urged operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, assured the public that the force remains committed to ensuring justice and maintaining security across the state.
