Obiano’s War against kidnapping in Anambra and the SARS Leader talisman

Last March 17^th, 2015, Governor Willie Obiano celebrated his one year in office with renewed assurances to fight crime and kidnapping.
One of his four pillars of taking Anambra development to the next level is Security of lives and property, and since he came on board there was no pretences on his wishes to stamp out kidnapping and all forms of criminality from the state in collaboration with the Nigerian Police through the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) reports Odogwu Emeka Odogwu:

At a time in the history of Anambra state , it became a pariah state as the wealthy people ran for away for fear of being kidnapped or violated by heartless youths masquerading as kidnappers and armed robbers. Most of the kidnaps are not without an insider, close friends and acquaintance. Many kidnap victims were wealthy sons and daughters of the state or their relative. Those engaged in the business overtook the Niger Delta militants known for kidnapping.

The then Governor Peter Obi led administration and the Anambra state House of Assembly led by Speaker Anayo Nnebe formulated a law targeted at depriving those who engaged in kidnapping from enjoying their loot.

The law stated that the state would confiscate the property of the kidnappers and demolish the houses built from the benefit. The law went further to ask landlords to be vigilant as any kidnapper caught in their house , they would have themselves to blame as their houses would be demolished. The law equally recognized capital punishment for any kidnaper caught in the act or verified and confirmed by the police.

That was a state government’s directive that any property used for kidnapping or built with proceeds from kidnapping would be demolished or confiscated and despite its shortfalls everybody in the state continued to applaud it because kidnapping crippled the economy of the state before Obi came out tough o them and Obiano expanded Obi’s woos to them , hence they are now on the run.

It was not only tragic but terrific when a former Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Chike Okoli, was abducted and killed despite the payment of N16 million ransom by his family as demanded by the kidnappers.

The ex-Commissioner was abducted in Agulu town in Anaocha Local Government Area by the gunmen who intercepted him on his way to his Nanka country home, in Orumba South local Government Area of the state.

Okoli with the rest of them were taken to and kept in a bush in Ugwuoba, which is a border town between Enugu and Anambra states, from where the kidnappers contacted members of their families through telephone calls and demanded for ransoms.

Then drastic measures were involved that once it is established that a kidnapper harbours a victim in a house, the house becomes suspect and goes down by bulldozers once the bulldozer comes closer. It was no longer only those who engaged in kidnapping. It scared many and to add salt to injury, the Mr Peter Obi announced that any useful information for the whereabouts of kidnapers gets N1 Million compensation.

With that there was a flurry of information on who and who was a kidnapper in every village or people with questionable means of livelihood and at the last count over 350 confirmed kidnappers have been arrested with many communing with their ancestors already while others are bets to capture and identify others on the run.  As well over 51 houses belonging to kidnappers and those used by kidnappers were demolished.

On handing over to Obiano by Obi , he immediately inaugurated operation Mkpochapu to tackle the remnants of kidnappers, armed robbers, drug traffickers and all the miscreants causing havoc in the state.

The team swung into action in collaboration with already established team of Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) led by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) James Oshim Nwafor who has gotten commendation from high and mighty including the publishers of Nigerian Pilot and Nigerian Newsworld as Distinguished Award of Excellence 2014 as endorsed by the Publisher/Editor in Chief , Prince  Sami O for his feats on security in Anambra.

 Nwafor could be said to be competing with late Prof Dora Nkem Akunyili in number of awards as he has garnered over 150 awards from across the world , on his effectiveness of combating crime and criminality in Anambra  state within 3 years.

The Man behind the mask---Nwafor James Oshim 

But his recognition started way back in 1986/87and 89 with Inspector General of Police , IG Gambo commendation that attracted promotions after he busted robbers as a constable at then Zone 2 Headquarters Abeokuta before Zone 2 office moved to Lagos. And surprisingly , 6 years after he became an Inspector going through the ranks.

Obi, ex Anambra Governor and the incumbent Chief Willie Obiano recognized CSP James Oshim Nwafor for his unparallel skills in crime fighting, prevention and even prosecution.

He obtained a degree in Public Administration from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka in 2002 and WAEC in 1982 . He is from Ezza North in Ebonyi state and happily married with children. He has attended mission courses on Financial Intelligence and fraud management Techniques, Peacekeeping and international conflict resolution , Global terrorism, International Humanitarian law and law of Armed conflict to mention but a few as well as served as a Military observer.

The SARS Commander has commanded United Nations peacekeeping Operations and has served as Monitoring/Special Investigation Unit FHQ, Abuja , Police Liaison Officer , National Assembly , Abuja as well as Second in Command , B’ Dept operations Bauchi state command 2i/c Anti fraud state CID Awka Anambra state among others across Nigeria.

In the international scene , Nwafor has been the Reports Officer and earlier Operations Officer , United Nations Civilian Police , UNIMIS Khartuoum , Sudan ;  team Laeder , UN Civilian Boarder Police  officer , Qafa Prushit/Qafa Morina Kosovo and earlier Deputy Team leader United Nations Police Advisor , Gjakova Kosovo among others.

Since he assumed office as the Officer in charge of SARS , it was commendation galore  of about 78 percent to the extent that his commissioners commend him openly.  He has reduced armed robbery and kidnapping to a zero level and recovered catchment of arms and ammunition as well as rescued many kidnapped victims . He has arrested many notorious kidnappers including Olisa Ifedike alias Ofeakwu to mention but a few. He has feats outside Anambra like eliminating a notious group called SARA-SUKA in Bauchi state and liberated Umueri/Aguleri from armed robbers etc.

On awards , this reporter counted over one hundred and twenty awards in his office given by prominent organizations both locally and internationally including Most outstanding Anti crime police officer in west Africa given to him in South Africa in 2013 by Security watch Africa Awards; Another award from the group given to him in Dubai as most outstanding  Anti-crime officer in Nigeria in 2014; and a fellowship award from Civilian Institute of democratic Administration (FCIDA) Ghana as well as the United Nation medal in recognition of duties in the service of peace as a member of International police component of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) as signed by Kai Vittirup , Commissioner of police United nations mission in Sudan on October , 2006 ; Nelson Mandela Life Achievements Medallion award 2014  to mention but a few others from Media houses , Organizations and the religious groups.

And aside awards from International Human Rights of excellence  in 2013 , henry Dunant  Gold medal award of Nigerian Red Cross and medal from veterans for peace keeping in Africa , communities including Umueje community gave him Obata Obia 1 , a chieftaincy title , Awka community gave him Agunechemba of Awka while Enugwu Aguleri gave him Ozoigbondu of Iduu Eri Enugwu Aguleri before  his community crowned it with Ikemba 1 of Ekka .

 Demolition of kidnapper’s houses

Obaino’s administration has demolished over 10 houses belonging to kidnappers and arrested more than 65 kidnappers since assumption of office.

At Azigbo , Nnewi South local government area, Anambra state, two houses identified as kidnappers den were pulled down by bulldozers on the orders of Governor Obiano.

CP Hosea Karma, was fully kitted with his Deputy Commissioner of Police, Filhiman Adeoye and the new Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Uche Eze as well as the Officer in Charge of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) csp James Nwafor. The Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on Security Matters, Chikaodili Anara, was also present.

They were in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area bound, and as the convoy cruised through Awkuzu to Igbariam, bewildered villagers kept wondering what was amiss.

Isioye village was the first target of demolition which was a six-bedroom bungalow painted in golden colour.  The house belonged to one Emeka Eze, alias Emeka Nando, a notorious kidnapper, who was implicated in several kidnap and other criminal activities. Caught and charged to court and was granted bail before he ran to Lagos from where he continued in his evil ways until he died during a shootout with the police.

He said his criminal gang was behind the abduction of popular transport mogul, Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, Chairman, G.U.O Transport Company.

CP Karma also disclosed that the house had been used, as a safe haven for keeping kidnap suspects since 2009 while items recovered from the building included five 50-litre gallons filled with ammunitions, a general multipurpose gun (GMG) and three AK-47 rifles. The man behind the mask

At Akamanato village also at Nando, a two-storey building belonging to a certain Nnamdi Nwabia, another notorious kidnapper who belonged to the same gang with Emeka Nando was pulled down.

The occupants were Ebonyi State indigenes who lived as tenants while working as artisans and labourers in the community and the house was built by Nnamdi’s father who worked as a government agent many years back.

About 45 minutes later, the two-storey building was leveled to the ground and the team moved to the next target.

At Abube Ndiuno village, Nando, it was another storey building belonging to late Ofamaiji, whose son, Osinwa reportedly converted to a hideout for kidnap victims and three victims have been kept there.

The principal suspect, Osinwa was still on the run while the police have spread its dragnet to catch him.

Obiano, while appraising the demolition exercises so far, said there was no going back on the determination of the government to rid the state of all criminal activities.

He declared that Anambra State was now safe for investors because of government efforts to checkmate crime in the state and assured residents that even the yuletide season would be crime free in the state because of an enduring peace presently in place. He disclosed that a retired commissioner of police had been engaged by the government to coordinate the activities of vigilante groups which had ensured that security was in place at the grass roots.

“Anambra is very safe now, so all investors and Anambra people in Diaspora should please come home. Night life has gradually returned and I’m working on the street lights. Once more, we have a big and happy state and that is where we are headed. What is happening today is a continuation of the work of Operation Kpochapu because the new Commissioner of Police and the operation team were able to arrest seven hardened criminals and some of the arrests were made outside Anambra State.

“Even recently, we foiled a kidnap in Abia State from here. The criminals are on the run presently and they have left Anambra for good. We have destroyed their infrastructure in line with the laws of the state. Now that we have destroyed three houses in Nando, we still have another nine lined up for demolition in other parts of the state. We are making good inroad into these critical areas and what is important for the people of the state to understand is that we have won this war already.

“We have destroyed their command and control centers, their source of arms and even their organisation now is suspect because they cannot organise themselves well again because we are on their toes. I want to reassure everybody that under my watch, Anambra people can go to bed and sleep well and while doing that, I repeat that any attempt by any kidnapper, armed robber or even pick pocket will be seriously dealt with,” the governor submitted.

On another mission , Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Agugoesi led a detachment of Police and the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives led by OC SARS , James Nwafor to execute the demolition of two bungalows.

The first was a bungalow, a four bedroom house adjoining the main building owned by one Eugene who resides outside the state is located at Iruokpala village Azigbo.

The building was used by a tenant, 29 year old Onyekachukwu Unegbu from Awkaetiti and 27 year old Joshua Chukwuma from Nnobi, and other members of their gang to hide their kidnap victim Mr. Clement Unegbu who was picked-up at Nnewi on February 9, 2015.

Another bungalow belonging to Late Nathaniel Okoli of Umunobe village Azigbo was also used by a detachment of the same gang made up of Joshua Chukwuma and 30-year old Nnemeka Nkpuechina who hails from Abagana.

They kidnapped one Madam Justina Ezenwa at Ekwulobia on October 3, 2014 and hid her until two days later after receiving a ransom of N4million dropped for them at Ugwuoba. The gang also sold a Toyota Camry snatched from the business woman on that fateful day.

ACP Agugoesi said that Governor Obiano’s resolve to ensure the security of lives and property in Anambra and the commitment of security operatives at various levels and the Operation kpochapu has practically led to drastic reduction if not disappearance of kidnap incidents.

According Agusoesi, “you can see the fast pace at which kidnap incidents are resolved. Any occurrence or report is followed up immediately by the Police and solved, that is why Anambra is safer.”

ACP Agugoesi explained that the gangs who are now in Police net over the Azigbo kidnap den were tracked by the operatives following report of the kidnap and they tried to retreat leading to the escape of the victim on February 5, 2015 just after two days and were subsequently apprehended.

The ACP advised young men in Anambra state who are still tempted to embark on such nefarious activities to desist stressing that the law enforcement agencies are prepared to deal with such cases.

Speaking on the demolitions at Azigbo, Mr. Onyeka Onwuegbusi, a native of the village expressed sadness at the bad turn of events which has jolted people in their peaceful village.

 He said: “we didn’t know we had robbers and kidnappers amongst us. You can see that the landlord is not there. Anyway I am happy that the main building is spared which means the demolished building is done based on what the law said. I can only advice our young men to avoid crime.”

However, the effective enforcement of the Demolition Law by the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has stemmed incidents of kidnapping in the state.

Two kidnappers’ dens in Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area and Umudim in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state were demolished too and the kidnap suspect, who owns the Ojoto building, Mr Izuchukwu Amalunwoke, is still at large while Mr Lotanna Enemuo, the Nnewi kidnap kingpin has been killed in gun battle with the police.

At Umuchem Ojoto in Idemili South local government area, the building was a four bedroom bungalow built with proceeds from kidnapping by one Izuchukwu Amalunwoke and also put in use for incarceration of kidnap victims.

Izuchukwu who is a member of a notorious kidnap gang terrorising the state is still on the run but the Assistant Commissioner of police said the police were on his trail.

The building demolished in Umudim Nnewi belonged to late Mr Joseph Nnadike who died in 1988 but was used by the caretaker, Mr Lotanna, Enemuo, to keep victims until ransom was paid.

 But before that Obiano had demolished four bungalows belonging to kidnappers.  He revoked the certificates of occupancies of the four buildings; all located in Awkuzu, Oyi local government area Anambra state.

 Two of the building, a church and residential are located in Umuobi ,Awkuzu while one each is located at Dusogu, and Ifite villages Awkuzu . Two belonged to Pastor Ifeanyi Nwaezeagu , General Overseer , Unchangeable God Ministries Awkuzu.

And SARS paraded 15 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers with sophisticated arms and ammunition at the as well as arms including One Rocket Launcher , One Rocket , 50 magazines for AK 47, 300 Rounds of 7.62 mm life Ammunition among others.

Officer in charge of SARS Anambra state, James Nwafor and Deputy Commissioner of police Anambra state in charge of Operations, Olafimihan Adeoye and SA to Obiano on security led the team to the demolition sites and the parade.

Police Commissioner then now AIG in Abuja AIG Bala Nassarawa commended the OC, SARS James Nwafor and his men for their due diligence and due process in investigation and smoking out of kidnapers and robbers terrorizing the state but confessed that without the support of Governor Willie Obiano, the successes recorded would have been impossible.

Usman Gwary now AIG zone 9 when he was Commissioner of police Anambra state before he was promoted equally praised OC SARS, James Nwafor to the high heavens following his exploits in crime fighting 

Special Assistant to the Governor on security, Chief Chikodili Anara confirmed the robbers and kidnappers are of hi-tech set with sophisticated weapons based on evidences and confessions from them.

At the venue of the demolitions , DCP Operations, Olafimiham Adeoye  said the demolition was in compliance with a standing government edit for kidnappers and robbers not to benefit from proceeds of crime  and to discourage and dissuade people from involving in crime. He confirmed Pastor Nwaezeagu has generated several millions of naira from kidnap proceeds and was involved in kidnap of many wealthy Anambra men including a Priest .

He informed that the Overseer, Pastor  Ifeanyi Nwaezeagu was fake and was engaging in kidnapping unnoticed until he was caught 2013 and his confessional statements led to the unraveling of his gang before Governor Obiano revoked his C of O leading to demolition of  his church and buildings today –Tuesday August 5,2014.

A man who identified himself as Chukwuchebe Nweke and another vigilant man who did not want to be identified said Pastor Nwaezeagu started his church in 1999  and they never knew he was into kidnapping and armed robbery until lately when police invaded his home and church.

His house has inscriptions like ‘’ Ozo Igbo Ndu ‘’ suspected to be his shrine and ‘’Unchangeable God’’, with some bible quotations.

One of the suspects a dismissed Army officer , one Prince Ndubuisi Friday confessed to the crime saying he only kidnapped once while Obieze Asombe confessed to snatching of vehicles with his gang , and Ifeanyichukwu Onuchukwu confessed to painting the brand new stolen car and the receiver Oliver Ifeanyi confirmed he received the vehicle but the painter and receiver  claimed they do not know it was stolen car.

It was clear ‘Operation Clear All’ aimed at ridding the state of criminals, all communities of kidnappers, robbers and miscreants for the peace of the 177 communities in the state and at the last count , the police recovered sophisticated arms and ammunition, 9,000 live cartridges and bags of Indian hemp from 47 suspects.

He warned kidnappers to desist from the act, reminding them that the death penalty awaits perpetrators of such crime when found guilty after prosecution.

DSS

Again, three suspects were arrested by the Anambra State Department of Security Service in connection with the abduction of one Charles Onyido at Ogbunike, Oyi local government area of the state.

The suspects were also accused of kidnapping an Onitsha based legal practitioner, Ejike Efobi at Nkpor, in Idemili North local government area on June 5.

The State Director of DSS, Mr. Alex Okeiyi, told reporters that the suspects had asked for a ransom of N100 million from the victim’s family before they could grant him release.

The suspects were 25- year -old Chukwuebuka Okafor (a.k.a- Ichafu, head scarf) Ernest Elem (a.k.a Lamborghini) and 68- year – old Ajana Onyibor a herbalist from Igbakwu, Ayamelum council area, whose shrine was where the victim was kept for three days before his rescue.

According to the DSS, the herbalist was in charge of fortifying the gang spiritually, however, he ran out of luck when he was arrested through the help of Oyi vigilance group and policemen in the area.

Kidnappers latest

Thursday 3/5/2015 Operatives of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) Anambra state led by its state commander, James Nwafor, a chief superintendent of police (CSP)  has rescued a 75 year old Virginia Uloma Arinze, the mother of former commissioner for commerce, industry and tourism in the state, Ken Arinze, a lawyer from dare devil kidnappers.

Madam Arinze was kidnapped by the suspects on 21^st of February, 2015 at Ebenebe in Awka North Local government area of Anambra state, but was rescued on the 27^th at Obinofia Ndiuno in Ezeagu, Enugu state.

Just as the Anambra state Commissioner of Police , Hosea Karma Hassan paraded  13 other alleged kidnappers at the police command in Awkuzu, Oyi Local government Area. Two other were gunned down while others are at large and being trailed by the SARS operatives.

CP Karma, who briefed reporters yesterday, said the police and other security agencies would not relent in making Anambra safe.

He said the alleged kidnappers were traced to Enugu state on a tip-off by his men after the woman’s family had paid 2.5 million naira ransom demanded by the hoodlums.

Instead, he said the hoodlums called the woman’s son on phone and told him that he would never see his mother again.

The two suspects, who were gunned down during the gun challenge with the police on 4^th March, 2015 were Chinedu Onyia (aka Edumgbara or Nwa police) and Peter Eneje, all from Eziagu, Enugu state after SARS team swooped on their hideout.

Two of the suspects , one Chukwuemeka Chukwuka from Nnobi and others were said to have kidnapped the niece of the founder of Madonna University Okija, Ihiala council Area, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Edeh on 4^th January, 2015 in the state, while she was taken to Obolo-Afor in Enugu state where she was rescued were also on parade.

They family paid N7 Million ransom and police recovered about N1.3 Million from them.

Another group of 5 among the arrested suspects, were according to Karma, kidnapped the wife of the owner of Albertino Group of Companies, dealers of Electronics of all kinds at Aroma junction  in the state in October 4^th, 2014 at Ekwulobia, Aguata local government area.

The woman was released after they paid N4 Million ransom and with the help of Ebonyi state police were arrested at Abakaliki after intensive intelligence.

Another suspect on parade is a 64 year old Chukwudi Chidozie from Amawbia who allegedly paid some miscreants N300,000 to kill his younger brother Osita Chiedozie over land dispute but rather than the assassins carry out the duty they were paid for , they leaked the information to the wife of the man to be killed who raised the alarm involving police.

The other group of 4 armed robbers and car snatching syndicate were also paraded differently with cars recovered even as CP warned youths not to hide under the guise of politics to commit crime as he would not look back in dealing with any caught.

According to the police CP “these people had been engaged in high profiled kidnapping in the state and elsewhere, and had been hiding without knowing that one day is for the owner of the house”

“Since they have refused to listen to advice by vacating this state, after many months now, we are telling them that the police will not relent in their own duties”

“We are prepared to work day and night in Anambra state with the continued support of Governor Willie Obiano in making sure that there is peace, this is just a warning to others who are preparing to unleash mayhem in this state”

“I am ready and my men are equally ready for them, if they think Anambra is safe for them, they should rethink” Karma said

The former commissioner for commerce, Ken Arinze, whose septuagenarian mother was rescued, told Nigerian Pilot yesterday that he lacked words to describe his happiness.

However, while praising SARS led by James Nwafor for a job well done, he said that he would want the police to get to the root of what led to his mother’s kidnap.

Some of the items recovered from them included four AK47 riffles, English Pistol, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition which were recovered at Enugu Otu, in Anambra East Local Government Area in their hide out.

Killer boy with charcoal iron

For 18 years Chukwujekwu Oranezu , from Eziagu-Umueleke village , Umunze in Orumba South local government area, Anambra state, life would not be same for him again. He is under custody at Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Awka for investigations to be concluded on how he killed a Billionaire businessman from his community.

The police gave the name of the man he killed as Mr Remi from Ndiakpa village, Umunze with a pestle , and made away with his N500,000.

Oranezu did not actually set out to kill the businessman but to cover up his crime, he hit him more with pestle leading to his death.

 He is a neighbour to the deceased and his mother is a widow and sells processed Bitter leaf. The boy had access to the compound through the back gate. So he succeeded in pilfering some clothes and other usable from the man’s compound. He also collected a charcoal iron. He was asked to return it by the deceased.

On the day the man returned as usual, he came and saw the man counting huge amount of money with a visitor. He waited for the guest to go and he did . The deceased asked him about the iron, According to him. He brought the trousers and other clothes but the chief told him that his children would be coming home and would not take it lightly with him if the iron was not returned.

He however went and showed the deceased where he normally entered the compound to pilfer items. On his way coming back, he was in front and the boy was behind. He became possessed and covetous over the money on the table. He suddenly picked a pestle and landed it on the man’s head. He collapsed.

To avoid tracing him when the man is revived , he landed him more pestle blows leading to his death. Unknown to him, when the alarm was raised about his death, the last man that was with him sighted him and announced so. Police came into the matter and on searching their room found N500,000 hidden there. That raised some clues and he was arrested and he confessed to the crime.

That was how a man died for requesting for an old charcoal iron from a lad he must have helped in the past. What would he do with such huge amount, he said , he would use it to celebrate Christmas and buy some materials for his wielding business. Was that enough reason to kill? It was just strange.

He was among those paraded by the Anambra state police command after it foiled a kidnap and armed robbery attempt in Onitsha, but not without killing 4 of the dare devil gang in a shootout.

 Commissioner for Police Hassan Hosea Karma who paraded the suspects at the Headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Awkuzu, Oyi local government area Anambra state , thanked Governor Willie Obiano for his support in the fight against criminals in the state.

Those paraded included a 65 year old Grace Offor, mother of a popular musician and Evangelist Obinna Offor , the Artist behind ‘’ Okwugi bu ebe ano’’  said to be the cook for the kidnapped victim.  

The notorious armed robber and kidnapper who allegedly killed an OC SARS , Ocheobi Emmanuel in Onitsha in 2012 and other members of the notorious Ofeakwu kidnapping gang were also paraded. Some inmates identified some of the gangs paraded as Abuchi Nwibe who Omenga said killed Onwa and Kolomentality that brought down cache of arms from Lagos for kidnappers and robbers.   

He displayed the dead bodies of victims of the shootout at a place identified as camp in Asaba Delta state where the police trailed them to. He said the police o a tip off from the public who sighted guns in their vehicle alerted them and they trailed them to Asaba where they were planning to re-launch an attack in Onitsha and engaged them in a shootout. Two were killed on the spot while two were arrested alive and later died while others escaped with bullet wounds.

Karma flanked by some top police officers including the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Uche Ezeh and the Officer in-charge of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (OC, SARS), James Nwafor , warned criminals and kidnappers to leave the state as there is no room for them.

He said they have received support in logistics, vehicles and communication gadgets and assured commitment and dedication to ride the state off crime with the support from the public with information.

Madam Offor although confirmed her son and her friends kidnapped one Ahanaonu Jacinta with her vehicle , a Honda CRV at 33 Nkwelle Ezunaka , Anambra state and brought to her house at Arondizuogu in Imo state, she was never a cook to them as claimed by the police.

As well , four men including Jonas Agu, Ejike Johnbosco and Felix Johnson were paraded for illegal possession of dynamites capable of blowing up banks but they said they were using it for blowing of rocks at Nkwelle Ezunaka and they were not the people selling it, having bought from the authorized seller who ran away when police came calling.

Items recovered from them included 2k2 riffles with 3 Magazines , 49 rounds live ammunition, seven rolls of Dynamite explosives with other related explosives components , N7,000 being part of ransom paid and victims RAV 4 Honda Jeep.

Madam Offor further said his son confirmed the kidnappers were his friends even though he never knew their modis operandis having seen them –the victim and kidnapper discussing and taking their birth as if they were great friends until police invaded her home saying her son was the leader of the kidnap gang. She said she is sick and never cooked for them as she returned from hospital before they drove in to her compound.

‘’My son is a musician and a prayer warrior and I was surprised he could engage in such a nasty deal to the extent of being a kidnapper. I am amazed and dumbfounded by such news.

Suspected Criminals by Operation Mkpochapu

The continued siege laid by Anambra State government on the hideouts of criminals which has either resulted in the arrest of many or forced some of them to flee the State has achieved yet another feat with the arrest of 17 suspects alleged to have committed various criminal offences ranging from robbery, hijack of haulage trucks, forgery and possession of firearms and cultism. Amongst the suspects paraded today by the State Police Command at the Special Anti Robbery Squad headquarters Awkuzu, were five young ladies who were nabbed for forgery of motorcycle plate numbers and licences.  

The five females allegedly involved in the forgery of motorcycle particulars documentation were arrested at Nnewi while carrying out the illegal act and denying the State government of revenue.

The other suspects include a three-member gang, Lawrence Nweze from Aguleri, Chukwuma Ohajionu alias ‘More Onys’ and   Ndubuisi Odoko were arrested for hijacking a trailer load of 600 bags  of chemicals f used in the production of plastic materials along Onitsha – Owerri  expressway.  According to them, after blocking the roads and disguising as security men to stop their intended victims,   tie and gag the driver and throw him into a bush.

The suspects, Mr. Ohajionu confirmed that he was paid N1 million  for 500 bags of plastics including materials while Mr. Ononenyi admitted  that he was a cultist and was arrested with fire arms. 

Complaints

But all these good works were not without complaints as many have accused the SARS of extra judicial killing and torture of suspects as well as insensitive and crude methods of arrest and interrogation. But that would be a case for another day.

This is coming as Seven policemen attached to the Central Police Station, CPS in the commercial city of Onitsha may run into trouble following a petition by an Onitsha international businessman, Paschal Onuoha over alleged extortion.

The counsel to Onuoha, Mr. Samuel Abuchi in a petition to the Anambra state police Commissioner, Mr. Hassan Karma alleged among other things how policemen from CPS intercepted his client while making bank transactions, handcuffed him and whisked him to an illegal cell where they allegedly collected the sum of N70, 000 from him.

He said “my client is an international businessman who deals on men wears and stock. On the 19^th day of February, our client was making a bank transfer within the bank premises when policemen numbering seven stormed the area, arrested him and took him to one field and collected N70, 000 from him before they released him”

Mr. Abuchi further alleged that his client was handcuffed and taken to an unknown place by the policemen and when he sought to know why they didn’t take him into the police station to make his statement, they threatened to shoot him and later demanded the sum of N150, 000 before he could be released.

He also said that the team of policemen led by one Inspector Lucky (other names withheld) told his client that they were acting on a tip off that the businessman was buying and selling stolen goods which he said the policemen could not produce evidence of their claim or even provide any complainant to the allegations.

“It took the intervention of my client’s friend from the Stock Exchange Office complex who saw how the policemen who came in a vehicle marked NPF 8555C belonging to Operation Mkpochapu were manhandling the businessman and came to his aide by giving the policemen the sum of N70, 000 before he was released”

He called on the Police Commissioner to investigate the matter and bring the erring policemen to book and return the money they took unlawfully from his client or the may be forced to explore other legal means to get justice.   

By  Odogwu Emeka Odogwu , Blogger/Journalist  and social commentator based in Awka ,Anambra state and could be reached via08060750240 or [email protected]