Follow Us on Google
The Imo State Police Command said it has arrested 12 suspects for offences bordering on kidnapping, cultism, murder, and other violent crimes.
In a Wednesday statement, Imo police spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye said the suspects were nabbed in various operations by operatives of the Command, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, through intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and critical stakeholders.
The operations also led to the rescue of three kidnapped victims unharmed and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two locally made double-barrel guns, four locally made pistols, two live cartridges, one blue Toyota Highlander SUV without a registration number, one ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz GLK Jeep with registration number YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorcycles, one Sumec generator set, and eight branded cult caps.
The statement reads, “Following the abduction of five passengers from a commuter bus along Obokofia Road in Egbema and the subsequent kidnapping of a young man in New Owerri on 27th June, 2026, the Imo State Police Command launched a coordinated intelligence-led operation to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command, in synergy with operatives of Egbema Police Division, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Obokofia in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area on 30th June, 2026, rescuing three kidnapped victims unharmed and arresting seven suspected members of the gang. Other members of the syndicate fled the scene and are currently being trailed.
“The suspects are Eric John, alias “Yahoo Welder,” (30), of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, resident in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema LGA; Light Chukwuma (18); Obinna Osuamma (18); Sylvester Nnadike (60); Tochukwu Precious (22); Destiny Albert (22); and Caroline Oziomele (25), all of Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
Other News
“Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, two locally made double-barrel guns, two locally made pistols, one blue Toyota Highlander SUV without a registration number, one ash-coloured Mercedes-Benz GLK Jeep belonging to one of the rescued victims, three Q-Link motorcycles, one Sumec generator set, and eight branded cult caps.
“Investigation revealed that one of the rescued victims identified one of the arrested suspects, Eric John, alias “Yahoo Welder,” as a member of the gang responsible for his abduction.
“The investigation further revealed that the gang had collected ₦5 million from the victim’s relatives and subsequently demanded an additional ₦50 million ransom before the victim was rescued during the Police operation.”
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, reassured Imolites that the command remains committed to combating crime, strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, local vigilante groups, and the public, and ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency line 08034773600, as timely and credible information remains vital to protecting lives and property across Imo State.
