Imo State Police Command has apprehended a 23-year-old named Elijah Chigemezu who is known for stealing phones from unsuspecting individuals at gunpoint.
Along with him, two others were also arrested – 27-year-old John Chukwudi from Ntu in Ngor-Okpala LGA, Imo State, and Chibeze Tasie, 32, who was captured at Naze.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, mentioned in a statement that the suspects were arrested by operatives of Nekede Divisional Headquarters using intelligence and thorough investigation.
According to Okoye, the successful operation leading to the arrest of the suspects is a demonstration of the command’s commitment to reducing crime in the state.
“On August 14, 2024, one of the suspects, John Chukwudi, a native of Ntu in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State, was apprehended during a patrol with local vigilantes near Human Race Hospital Road, Nekede. Items recovered from him included a homemade pistol and five live cartridges,” stated Okoye.
“During interrogation, he confessed to being a member of the black axe confraternity cult group and revealed that the gun was given to him by a syndicate member, Ugochukwu Ndubuisi, also known as Dimzi Gate, who is currently on the run,” added Okoye.
Elijah, from Ezzamgbo in Ebonyi State, was caught in the act of stealing a young man’s phone and belongings at gunpoint on August 11, 2024, along Cluster Road, Naze. The police, in conjunction with the military, swiftly responded to a distress call leading to his arrest.
“Upon his arrest, a locally made gun was confiscated from him, and he confessed to the crime during questioning,” Okoye mentioned.
Chibieze Tasie, located at No 1 Naze, was arrested following a detailed investigation on a motorcycle theft case in Nekede. After interrogation, he admitted to colluding with Ndubisi, who is currently at large, to steal motorcycles from unsuspecting riders in Nekede.