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Bust kidnapping syndicate, recover arms
From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command have arrested one Uchenna Opara for allegedly stabbing his in-law to death.
The suspect, aged 40, had on 16 January 2025, in Ubomiri community, Mbaitoli Council of Imo State, killed his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, during a minor dispute involving their children.
Opara reportedly attacked his in-law with a broken bottle after their dispute escalated.
In a statement by the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, at the weekend, he said: “Responding to a distress call, the police operatives apprehended the suspect and recovered the weapon. The victim was confirmed dead at the hospital, and the suspect remains in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution.
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“The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, will continue to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes and maintain peace and security across the state.”
Similarly, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation on 16 January 2025. The operation, which took place in a forest near Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area, led to the arrest of one suspect, Ozioma Dike, after an exchange of gunfire. Other members of the syndicate fled into the bushes.
According to the spokesperson of the state police command, “Recovered from the suspect were a pump-action rifle loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition and an iPhone belonging to a victim who had been kidnapped on 8 January 2025, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of a group responsible for several kidnappings in Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities within Mbaitoli LGA.”
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members while Dike remains in custody. He is expected to be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the investigation. The police have assured the public of their commitment to eradicating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
