Enugu Police Command arrests 3 for armed robbery, cultism *Recovers firearms, ammunition

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By Iheanyi Chukwudi

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested three armed robbery and cultism suspects.

Arrest of the three male suspects, Okorie Israel Nweze (25), Tobechukwu Emmanuel (20) and Effia Onyedika John a.k.a Fela (27), in two different operations led to the recovery of three firearms, eight live cartridges, and other exhibits.

The success according to Police, is part of the result of the 2025 proactive, community-driven, and results-oriented policing strategy introduced by the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu.

Confirming this on Friday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe (SP), said, "In one of the operations, operatives from the Oji-River Police Division of the Command arrested two male suspects: Okorie Israel Nweze (aged 25) and Tobechukwu Emmanuel (aged 20), on January 14, 2025, at Garriki, Ugwuoba, Oji-River.

Two pump-action guns and six live cartridges were recovered from the suspects, who confessed to being involved in armed robbery and other criminal activities, including drug traffick ing along Abakaliki Road, Awka, Anambra State.

"In another operation, on January 2, 2025, around 8:00 p.m., operatives from the Commands Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, rescued and arrested one Effia Onyedika John (aged 27), also known as “Fela,” from an angry mob at Ugbo-Paul, Abakpa-Nike, Enugu.

A locally made double-barreled pistol loaded with two live cartridges was recovered from him. The suspect confessed to membership in the Vikings confraternity and a criminal gang responsible for multiple armed robberies and thefts within the Enugu metropolis.

"All the suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded."

Ndukwe said that while commending the efforts of the operatives, CP Kanayo had reaffirmed the Command's commitment to making Enugu State unconducive for unrepentant criminal elements and their activities in 2025.

"He urges citizens to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible and actionable information to assist the police in combating crimes."