The Imo State Police Command has announced the recovery of 450 motorcycles suspected to have been stolen, alongside the arrest of five individuals linked to criminal activities.
The Command also confirmed the rescue of a commercial bus driver, Mr. Paul Ejike Ohaka, during the operation.
In addition, officers recovered a total of N6,495,900 believed to be proceeds of crime, along with other incriminating items.
The development was disclosed at the Command’s Headquarters during the parade of suspects by the spokesperson, Henry Okoye, who spoke on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police.
Okoye stated that under the leadership of CP Audu Garba Bosso, the Command has recorded notable successes in tackling criminal elements across the state. He explained that the arrests were made in the course of an investigation into an armed robbery case.
According to him, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, carried out the operation in multiple locations. The exercise led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of a shuttle bus as well as the motorcycles.
He further revealed that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe police operatives with Five Million Naira, an offer that was declined in line with the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and commitment to professionalism.
The police spokesperson explained that two of the suspects, Olagoke Jelili and Goddy Ezike, were apprehended following a distress call from Chimeze Christian of Urata in Owerri North Local Government Area, who owns a transport service known as Wonder Shuttle.
“He reported that his driver, Paul Ejike Ohaka, who left on 5th April, 2026 with a bus bearing registration number KPU 26 XA, failed to return as scheduled.
“Subsequently, the driver was found unconscious at Irete along the Onitsha Road axis, while the vehicle had been forcefully taken by unknown assailants.
“He was immediately evacuated to Vadan Hospital, New Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
“Acting on the report, operatives commenced a coordinated investigation which led to the recovery of the vehicle at a workshop in Orlu, where it was discovered and was about to be repainted in an attempt to conceal its identity,” he revealed.
Okoye added that further investigations resulted in the arrest of two more suspects, Okechukwu Prince and Raymond Odinaka, who reportedly confessed to acting on the instructions of a fleeing suspect identified as Osita Chigbo, also known as Barrister Oguta.
Another individual, Paul Martins Anya, alleged to be a receiver of stolen vehicles, was also taken into custody during the operation. The spokesperson noted that a search of the premises led to the recovery of 13 additional motorcycles suspected to be stolen, bringing the total number of recovered motorcycles to 450.
