The arrested suspect. Photo: Anambra State Police Command
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old wanted suspect, Udochukwu Okafor, popularly known as Small-Moto, during an operation in Ebenebe community, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday, saying operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, arrested the suspect on Saturday following an intelligence-led operation.
Ikenga said preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspect allegedly snatched a pump-action firearm from a vigilante operative in Ebenebe.
He added that Okafor had been on the command’s wanted list over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related activities and secessionist-related offences.
The statement partly read, “The operation was conducted by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following intelligence-led efforts to apprehend the suspect, who was reportedly on the command’s wanted list over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related activities and secessionist-related offences.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to snatching a pump-action firearm from a vigilante operative in Ebenebe.
“He also reportedly disclosed possession of a locally made short gun, which he and other members of his alleged gang were said to have used in their criminal operations.
“The suspect further allegedly admitted to membership of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as ‘Aro-Baggers’, a group suspected of involvement in cult-related violence in Awka and its environs.”
Ikenga said the command had intensified investigations to recover the firearms allegedly mentioned by the suspect and establish the full extent of his suspected involvement in criminal activities.
He added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the gang who remained at large.
“The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. The command assures residents that efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities will be sustained in the interest of public safety and security.
“The command will provide further updates as the investigation progresses,” the statement added.