By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Sequel to the gruesome murder of four policemen in Imo State by suspected hoodlums, an onslaught by police detectives in the state has led to the arrest of nine suspects in connection with the incident.
The hoodlums were suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Assorted firearms which include one cut to size AK 47 rifle, two cut to size double barrel guns, one locally fabricated Berretta, one AK 47 riffle, three pump action guns, two single barrel locally made guns, one locally made pistol, one cut to size gun were recovered from them.
Other exhibits said to have been recovered also include 50 rounds of 7.66mm live ammunition, thirty eight (38) rounds of live cartridges, two AK 47 magazines, two locally made explosive devices, one Iphone, One H-mobile phone, Walkie-Talkie, three cow horns painted with Biafran Insignia, two Biafran Jewish caps, Jewish Flag, large quantity of weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa and other fetish objects.
Our correspondent learnt that they were arrested by a detachment of the Command’s tactical team following credible intelligence at two separate hideouts, which also serve as their shrines.
One of the suspects identified as Mathew Chuwkuma, 48, of Mpam Ahaizu Mbaise LGA , according to report, confessed to be the Sector Commander of the dreadful IPOB/ESN syndicate in Mbaise, while one Obali Paul, 70, of Itu Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA of Imo State, is said to be the Chief Priest of the Criminal Syndicate.
It would be recalled that the four police officers attached to Ngor-Okpala/Mbaise Area Command at Ngor-Okpala, Imo State were slain by suspected hoodlums on 21th April, 2023 while on patrol.
The spokesperson of Imo State Police Command ASP Henry Okoye gave details of the arrest in a release on Sunday.
It reads, ” Sequel to the attack of Police Officers on patrol attached to Ngor-Okpala/Mbaise Area Command at Ngor-Okpala, Imo State on 21/04/2023 by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia affiliate, Eastern
Security Network (ESN) where four gallant police officers lost their lives, the indefatigable Commissioner of Police, Imo state, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde PSC(+) after on the spot assessment of the incident, directed the Command’s tactical teams to commence detailed investigation and manhunt to unravel the perpetrators of the dastardly act.
” Acting on the CP’s directives, a detachment of the Command’s tactical team on 24/04/2023 at about 1730hrs after diligent gathering of credible intelligence, arrested one Mathew Chuwkuma 48yrs ‘m’ of Mpam Ahaizu Mbaise LGA, Imo State, in his hideout at Umuahia, Abia State.
” He confessed to be the Sector Commander of a dreadful IPOB/ESN syndicate in Mbaise and assisted the curious operatives in arresting three (3) of his syndicate namely; Ojoko Ikechukwu 53yrs ‘m’ of Umugwa, Chilaka Charles 44yrs ‘m’ of Umuezuo, and Anthony Iwu 50yrs ‘m’ of Umugwa all in Umuokiria, Ahaizu Mbaise LGA of Imo State in their Criminal hideout while others escaped.
” On searching the suspects and their hideout the following incriminating items were recovered; One cut to size AK 47 rifle, One hundred and Ninety rounds of live 7.62 mm Ammunition, Two AK 47 magazines, two cut to size double barrel guns, one locally fabricated Berretta pistol were recovered from the Terrorist hideout.
” In the course of investigation, the suspects all confessed to be members of the a dreadful IPOB/ESN syndicate terrorizing the good people of Imo State and had a hand in the recent killing of four (4) Police officers and two(2) civilians at Ngor Okpala.
” They volunteered crucial information that assisted the determined operatives on 27/04/2023 at about 1240hrs, in raiding their second hideout/shrine in Itu, Ezinitte Mbaise LGA Imo State which led to the arrest of four (4) other notorious IPOB/ESN suspects famous on the command’s wanted list due to their nefarious activities.
” On sighting the Operatives, the notorious criminal syndicate engaged them in a fierce gun duel but were over powered by super fire power of the combat ready tactical squad which forced them to disarray and resulted to the arrest of four other suspects namely;1. Ibe Demian 50yrs ‘m’, 2. Iwuala Simon 31 yrs ‘m’ both of Neme Mpam Ahaizu Mbaise LGA of Imo State, 3. Nwabueze Ahiwe 47 yrs ‘m’ of Onicha Ezinititte Mbaise LGA of Imo State and 4. Obali Paul 70 yrs ‘m’ of Itu Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA of Imo State, who is the Chief Priest of the Criminal Syndicate while others escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries.
” On searching their second hideout which also serves as shrine where the perform fetish rituals, one AK 47 riffle, three (3) pump action guns, two single barrel locally made guns, one locally made pistol, one cut to size gun, 50 rounds of 7.66mm live ammunition, thirty eight (38) rounds of live cartridges, two (2) AK 47 magazines, two (2) locally made explosive devices, one Iphone, One H-mobile, Walkie-Talkie, Three (3) cow horns painted with Biafran Insignia, two (2) Biafran Jewish caps, Jewish Flag, large quantity of weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa other fetish object were recovered.
” Frantic investigating efforts is on top gear to arrest other syndicate members at large and make them face the full wrath of the law.
” The CP while commending the operatives for a job well done, stressed the fact that policing is collective responsibility . He then appealed to Imolites to joined hands with the Police and other sister security agencies in the crusade against Terrorism and to report any suspicious activity or person(s) seen with or treating gunshot injury to the nearest Police Station or call the Command’s emergency lines 08034773700, 08098880197″.
