The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects over an alleged plot to murder a businessman and unlawfully take over his landed properties in Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of the state.
The male suspects, identified as Obiora Nwankwo, 38; Chiadikobi Okoye, 36 years; Emmanuel Mboko, 42 years; and Ifeanyi Obi, 37 years, were arrested at different locations in Ukwulu and Amichi on Wednesday.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the command’s spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrests followed strategic intelligence emplacement of the state Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Ama.
Ikenga added that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with Agunechemba security personnel attached to Amichi and Nnewi, arrested the suspects after a credible intelligence gathering,
He said during the operation, two firearms and live ammunition were also recovered from the suspects.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered an alleged plot to murder a businessman and unlawfully take over his landed properties in Ukwulu, Dunukofia Local Government Area, following the strategic intelligence emplacement of the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama.
“The breakthrough was recorded on the evening of Wednesday, when operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, in collaboration with Agunechemba security personnel attached to Amichi, Nnewi, acting on credible intelligence, swiftly moved and disrupted the alleged criminal plot.
“The operation led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Obiora Nwankwo, male, 38 years; Chiadikobi Okoye, male, 36 years; Emmanuel Mboko, male, 42 years; and Ifeanyi Obi, male, 37 years, respectively. The suspects were arrested at different locations in Ukwulu and Amichi.
“During the operation, two firearms and live ammunition were also recovered from the suspects. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects were allegedly linked to a plot to murder a citizen and subsequently take over his landed properties.”
According to him, the command is, however, conducting a thorough investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged conspiracy, identify other persons who may be connected to the plot and determine the specific roles played by each suspect.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and will be made to face the full weight of the law upon the conclusion of investigations,” Ikenga added, saying that the CP “emphasised that the feat demonstrates the importance of the command’s renewed intelligence-led policing strategy, which is designed to detect criminal threats early, disrupt planned attacks and prevent the loss of lives and property”