The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Chigozirim Elem, for allegedly vandalising government property and stealing iron doors from unallocated shops at the Ubani Government Market in Umuahia.
The suspect, an indigene of Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, who resides in Ugwunchara, Umuahia North Local Government Area, was arrested by operatives of the Mike Okiro Divisional Police Headquarters following credible intelligence.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the arrest was made during a joint operation involving police officers and members of the local vigilante group.
She disclosed that on July 11, the suspect allegedly broke into four unallocated shops at the government-owned market, vandalised the premises, and removed four double iron doors and one single iron door.
DSP Chinaka said the suspect attempted to flee upon sighting the security operatives but was swiftly apprehended, while the stolen iron doors were successfully recovered.
She added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, assuring that the suspect will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure and maintaining law and order across Abia State. It also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines.
