The Imo State Police Command has arrested five suspects from a notorious robbery syndicate and recovered 450 allegedly stolen motorcycles. The operation also yielded a stolen bus and N6.4 million in cash. The breakthrough stemmed from the assault and abduction of a bus driver earlier this week.
DSP Henry Okoye, the police public relations officer, announced the development at a briefing in Owerri on Sunday. He said the operation, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, targeted armed robbery, attempted murder, and vehicle snatching. The suspects were paraded before journalists on behalf of Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso.
Commercial shuttle bus driver Paul Ohaka left home for work on April 5 but was reported missing. He was found unconscious at Irete along the Onitsha Road axis on April 6, with his vehicle taken by assailants. "The assailants had attacked him on April 5, assumed he was dead and fled with his vehicle," Okoye said.
Detectives tracked the bus to a workshop in Orlu, where it was recovered as suspects prepared to repaint it. Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike were arrested there, leading to three more gang members. The suspects offered N5 million in bribes, which officers rejected, and 450 motorcycles were found hidden in bushes.
Police also seized N6.4 million in cash, assorted number plates, and incriminating items like charms from the gang's hideouts. The suspects could not prove ownership of the motorcycles. The commissioner has ordered their full prosecution, with Okoye affirming the command's commitment to ridding the state of criminals.
