The Ebonyi State Police Command says it has arrested 699 suspects in connection with 372 reported cases between April and September, recovering 31 assorted firearms, 33 rounds of ammunition and three vehicles.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Abakaliki.
According to the Commissioner, 660 males and 39 females were arrested during the period under review, while 309 suspects have been charged to court in connection with 162 cases. Investigations into other cases are ongoing.
Giving details of some of the operations, CP Okafor said police operatives arrested several suspected hoodlums in Onueke, Ezza South Local Government Area, following reports of criminal activities in the area.
She said the operation led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, a locally made single-barrel gun, three machetes, four live cartridges and assorted illicit drugs.
In another operation at Onuebonyi-Eziagu in Ishielu Local Government Area, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine and a Beretta pistol from a suspected firearms storage location.
The Commissioner also disclosed the arrest of a suspected self-kidnapper, Ajah Ikechukwu, who allegedly staged his abduction and demanded ₦25 million ransom from his family.
According to her, the suspect allegedly provided his bank account details and received ₦1 million before his arrest following police investigation. She said the suspect later confessed to orchestrating the purported kidnapping.
CP Okafor described staged kidnappings and ransom demands as serious criminal offences, warning that the Command would investigate and prosecute persons involved in such activities.
The Commissioner also disclosed the rescue of a kidnap victim, Chigbo Lucy, after suspected kidnappers were intercepted around Ebebe Junction. One suspect, Stephen Job, was arrested, with police recovering a locally made pistol, 13 live cartridges, a black mask, gloves and charms from his residence.
On the investigation into the murder of the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Autonomous Community in Onicha Local Government Area, HRH Josephat Ikegwu, CP Okafor said two additional suspects, Friday Nwafor and Ozomena Pius, also known as “Oxygen”, were arrested in Anambra State.
She said the suspects had been arraigned in court, adding that the arrests followed sustained intelligence-driven operations.
The Police Commissioner also announced the arrest of a suspect, Okechukwu Emmanuel, over alleged cyberbullying, cyberstalking, threat to life and the non-consensual distribution of intimate videos.
She said the suspect allegedly threatened to publish the videos unless ₦17 million was paid and was subsequently arrested following investigation.
CP Okafor warned that the non-consensual recording, distribution or publication of intimate materials, particularly for intimidation, harassment or extortion, constitutes a serious offence.
On preparations for the 2027 general elections, the Commissioner said the Command was fully prepared to provide security during campaigns and other electioneering activities.
She urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and comply with electoral laws, warning that the Police would not tolerate violence, intimidation, hate speech, disorderly conduct or any action capable of undermining public peace.
CP Okafor reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led, proactive and community-oriented policing, assuring residents that efforts would continue to protect lives and property and tackle emerging security threats across Ebonyi State.
