The Commissioner of Police in the state, Echeng Echeng, stated these in Awka, on Friday, during a press briefing, adding that the suspects have confessed to the crimes.
Echeng noted that there was a need to provide the public and residents of the state with an update on achievements recorded by the Command, adding that significant progress has been achieved in ensuring sustainable peace in the state.
He said, “On April 27, 2023, by 7:50 pm, the Forward Operating Base from Aguata LGA, while on a stop and search duty at Afor Nnobi Road, intercepted two vehicles, one unmarked brown Lexus jeep and a black Prado Jeep with registration number GWA 696 CM, Abuja, the occupants of the vehicle who refused to stop when police flagged them down, started shooting sporadically to escape police screening.
“The operatives engaged the armed men in a gun battle, rescued one of their victims and arrested three of the gang members suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network and the Indigenous People of Biafra.
“Their names include Hyicent Ujwuika aged 45 years; Sunday Samuel Akpan aged 31 years; and Chinonso Offor aka Wolf aged 24 years.
“The operatives recovered three AK47s, two mobile telephones, two bulletproof vests, two walking talkies, one Police uniform (camouflage), four AK47 magazines, 120 live ammunitions, one Police belt, one hand glove, a pair of Police boots, two Police caps, one military T-shirt and one blue police uniform.
“While other gang members escaped the scene, the suspects now in custody, confessed to being members of the outlawed ESN/IPOB groups and mentioned the various camps/criminal hideouts where they operate. Efforts are already emplaced to arrest other fleeing gang members.”
Continuing, Echeng also confirmed that a member of the National Youth Service Corps, Nnamdi Emeh, serving in the police command is in its custody, adding that the case is already before the federal high court.
He said, “Also, recall the command on February 20, 2023, declared one Emeh Nnamdi Daniel, a 26-year-old youth corps member serving in the police command wanted, on allegations of unlawful possession of firearms, money laundering, and defamation of character, fraud and impersonation. We also want to use this opportunity to let you know the suspect is in custody.
“The suspect, Nnamdi Emeh, fled the country to the Benin Republic before he was arrested by INTERPOL operatives. Nnamdi also hacked into one of Mr Chibuike Martins Ekwueme’s accounts and fraudulently transferred a total sum of N47 million to his 14 different accounts owned by him Nnamdi E. The case is already before the Federal High Court.
“My assurance is that the Command under my watch shall continue to evolve strategies, which involve improving operational positioning and engaging with the community leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders for an inclusive community safety base.
“I also wish to reiterate our commitment to maintaining law and order within the State, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. We urge the public to support us by providing us with timely information and reporting any suspicious activities in their communities to us.”
Emeh, had, in January, revealed damning evidence of alleged atrocities committed by some officers of the state command through an online platform.
