Authorities in Nigeria’s southeastern Enugu state have reported the arrest of four individuals for alleged armed robbery, fraudulent exchange of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, and illegal possession of firearms. According to the state police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, the suspects were apprehended separately during operations conducted by officers from various police divisions in the state. Ndukwe, who is a Deputy Superintendent of Police, stated that the arrest of the suspects was made possible after receiving information about their activities in the area.
He went on to explain that police officers from Independence Layout Police Division were able to capture one of the suspects, Chukwudi Nweze, aged 29, on December 7th, 2023, following a distress call regarding an armed robbery operation in Phase 2 of the Independence Layout Axis. Although Nweze’s accomplices managed to escape, a locally-made pistol was recovered from him.
“Likewise, on 11/26/2023, at approximately 10:45 p.m., police officers from the New Haven Police Division of the Command intercepted and arrested Chibuike Omeje, 26, along Chime Avenue in New Haven, Enugu. His companions escaped, while a locally made double-barreled pistol was recovered from him,” Ndukwe added.
More arrests
Ndukwe said in a related development, police officers also intercepted and arrested the third suspect in the crime, Chidubem Alozie, for alleged illegal possession of two live cartridges.
The police spokesperson said officers arrested the suspect during a routine stop and search operation along the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway at around 11:50 am on Wednesday.
He added that in a separate operation, police officers serving in the Uwani Police Division, in collaboration with other security agencies, along Agbani Road in the state arrested another crime suspect, Ogbonna Aneke, 26 years old, on the same Wednesday for allegedly participating in the exchange of ATM Cards.
“The suspect and his accomplices, who escaped, exchanged the bank customer’s ATM card before their arrest,” he said.
The police spokesperson said ATM cards of several banks under different names were recovered from the suspect.
He added that the suspect confessed to having repeatedly committed the fraudulent act of exchanging ATM cards with his fleeing gang members.
“All suspects will be arraigned in court and prosecuted accordingly once ongoing investigations into the cases are concluded,” he stated.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has reiterated the commitment of the police to ensure maximum security in the state this Christmas, Ndukwe said.
Uzuegbu urged residents of the state to remain law-abiding, and vigilant and continue to support the police and other security agencies with information that will help them in the fight against crimes in the state.