The Imo State Police Command has apprehended several suspects linked to armed robbery and cult-related offenses, including the dismantling of a criminal gang that targeted phone retail stores, particularly within the Owerri metropolis.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the breakthrough followed a report lodged by a mobile phone dealer whose shop in Eziobodo, Owerri West Local Government Area, was burgled on July 11, 2025.
Prompt action by the Anti-Vice Unit led to the arrest of one suspect, who was found in possession of four new smartphones allegedly stolen during the robbery.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of the suspected mastermind and another accomplice accused of tampering with the IMEI numbers of the stolen devices to prevent tracking.
“All the suspects were in custody, and efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate were ongoing,” the police statement confirmed.
In a separate case, operatives from the Orji Police Division, acting on a distress call on July 31, 2025, apprehended one Ernest Nweke at Bishop’s Court Roundabout in Owerri North Local Government Area. Nweke, a native of Umuoji in Ngor Okpala and resident of the World Bank area in Owerri, was caught with a locally made pistol.
He and three other suspects were implicated in the robbery of a man identified as Emmanuel Feargod, a resident of the Fountain of Knowledge Hostel.
“Nweke, who confessed to being a member of the Vikings cult group, was identified by the victim and arrested while the others fled,” Okoye revealed.
Nweke’s confession led to the arrest of four more individuals: Chamberlain Prince, Akujuobi Godwin, Ugwuelu Joseph, and Frederick Chigozie. All reportedly admitted to participating in the robbery.
Okoye further stated that “all the suspects were currently undergoing investigation and will be duly prosecuted in court.”
Commending the efforts of the officers involved, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, praised the swift and effective response and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to eradicating crime across the state.
“He urged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station.”
