Police Arrest Two Suspected Armed Robbers, Recover Pistol in Imo

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a firearm and live ammunition during an operation in Owerri, the state capital.

The suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, March 11, by officers from the Orji Divisional Headquarters working in collaboration with the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Henry Okoye, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday night.

According to Okoye, the suspects reportedly attacked a man who was washing his car at a car wash located in the Mangrove area of Aladinma, Owerri. They allegedly threatened the victim with a gun and robbed him of his gold chain before attempting to escape.

The victim reportedly chased the suspects with his vehicle and succeeded in knocking them down. The incident attracted a crowd, and the suspects were beaten by an angry mob before the police arrived at the scene.

Police officers later took the suspects into custody and recovered a pistol along with seven rounds of live ammunition.

Okoye identified the suspects as Solomon Ejekwe, 29, from Ubaha Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, and Emeka Charles, 35, from Umuopara Ngugo in Ikeduru Local Government Area.

He explained that preliminary investigations showed the suspects carried out the robbery using a motorcycle to flee the scene before they were intercepted by the victim.

The suspects were taken to the police medical centre for treatment following injuries sustained during the mob attack.

Okoye added that they would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, commended the officers for their swift response to the distress call and appreciated members of the public who assisted in the operation.

He, however, warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, urging them to always report criminal activities to the police and allow due process to prevail.