Imo police smash armed robbery syndicate, recover 450 stolen

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Imo State Police Command has dismantled an armed robbery syndicate, arrested five suspects, and recovered 450 motorcycles believed to be stolen, a shuttle bus, and over N6.4 million in cash.

The breakthrough was announced during a press briefing by Imo state police public relations officer, Henry Okoye on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Garba Bosso.

According to the Command, the case began on April 6, 2026, at about 9 am, after Chimeze Christian of Urata, Owerri North LG, reported that his driver, Paul Ohaka, failed to return with his Wonder Shuttle bus, registration number KPU 26 XA, after leaving on April 5.

The driver was later found unconscious and abandoned at Irete, along the Onitsha Road axis. He was taken to Vadan Hospital, New Owerri, where he is receiving treatment.

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, launched a coordinated investigation. The stolen bus was traced to a workshop in Orlu, where it was about to be repainted to conceal its identity. Two suspects, Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike, were arrested at the scene.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Okechukwu Prince and Raymond Odinaka, who allegedly confessed to acting on instructions from a fleeing suspect, Osita Chigbo, alias Barr. Oguta. Paul Martins Anya, a suspected receiver of stolen vehicles, was also apprehended.

A search of the hideout uncovered 13 motorcycles initially, with follow-up operations bringing the total to 450 suspected stolen motorcycles. Police also recovered N6,495,900 in cash, multiple vehicle number plates and criminal charms.

The Command disclosed that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe operatives with N5,000,000, but the offer was rejected in line with its zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

Police said the suspects could not provide proof of ownership for the recovered motorcycles and had allegedly attempted to move them into nearby bush paths to evade detection. Acting on intelligence, operatives intercepted the move, leading to the large-scale recovery.

The CP has, however, directed that all suspects be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. The Command commended the public for their cooperation and urged continued sharing of timely, credible information.

All recovered exhibits, Okoye said, are in police custody as investigations continue.