The Imo State Police Command says it has apprehended five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), in connection to the murder of a police Sergeant, Joseph Nwaka.
This was revealed in a press statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Orlando Ikeokwu, in Owerri.
He revealed that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday and thursady respectively after a raid.
He said that the raiding of the criminal camp came as a result of the arrest of one of their members, Onyekachi Mmadufor, a native of Umuduruekwe Isu local government area.
The suspect assisted the police with the information which led in the arrest of others.
“The arrest of one Onyekachi Mmadufor, a native of Umuduruekwe Isu local government area of Imo state on 13th May 2021 by DPO ISU, where an AK 47 Rifle with breech no 56-258115 with 15 Rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of IPOB /ESN who conspired with other members of their syndicate to carry out attacks and killings of police personnel and other security operatives.
“The recent atrocity was the murder of one Sgt Joseph Nwaka attached to the Department of Operations of the command where his AK 47 rifle was collected.”
Ikeokwu said that the State Commissioner deployed the
Anti – Kidnapping unit and other tactical teams of the command to Amanato in Isu LGA to follow-up the case.
He explained that the police operatives were engaged to a gun duel by the suspects but were successfully repelled.
“Five (5) suspects were arrested at the scene, while others escaped with possible gunshot wounds.”
Other recovered items from the scene of the crime include five locally fabricated weapons, six cartridges and suspected bags of Indian hemp.
He also disclosed that the state commissioner is in high spirits for a job well done, while urging the police operatives to maintain the good work to ensure lasting safety and peace in the state.
He further enjoined the public to support the Police and the state government in their efforts to ensure peace in the state while stating that investigation has commenced, after which the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.
