Caught in the act: Dismissed police officer arrested in electricity transformer robbery attempt
Abia, Nigeria – The Abia State Police Command announced on Wednesday the arrest of a former police officer who was caught in the act of trying to steal an electricity transformer at the National High School on Port Harcourt Road in Aba.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Moureen Chinaka, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the incident took place on September 11.
Chinaka explained that the suspect was apprehended while dressed in police camouflage attire, sporting a fez cap, and carrying a counterfeit police warrant card. “The dismissed police personnel was swiftly taken into custody, and the stolen property was recovered.”
Additionally, the PPRO revealed that eight criminal suspects were arrested during a raid on their hideout at Ehere Secondary School in Aba.
She added that the suspects were found in possession of significant quantities of Indian hemp, tramadol tablets, tiazopam, and other illicit substances. “The police acted on credible intelligence that the school premises were being used for criminal activities.”
Chinaka stated, “On credible intelligence regarding criminal activities at Ehere Secondary school, Aba, police detectives conducted a cordon, search, and arrest operation on September 24, 2023. The successful operation led to the arrest of suspects involved in illegal drug trade. Large quantities of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp and various hard drugs were recovered. The suspects have been charged to court after a thorough investigation and were remanded accordingly.”
Furthermore, another six suspects were paraded for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm.
According to the PPRO, on September 24, 2023, personnel from the Counter-Terrorist Unit intercepted a tricycle carrying five male occupants.
She added that a search resulted in the discovery of a cut-to-size locally fabricated single-barrel short gun, loaded with live cartridges. “The case is currently under investigation by the Monitoring Unit in Umuahia.”
Lastly, the PPRO reported the successful rescue of a kidnap victim.
Chinaka explained that on October 1, 2023, the Isiala Ngwa Area Command received information about a kidnap victim held captive in a building in Uratta, Isiala Ngwa North LGA.
She futhered that the police operatives conducted a successful operation in the area, resulting in the rescue of Sylvanus Emenegu, who had been abducted on September 30, 2023. “The kidnappers fled upon seeing the police, leaving behind exhibits, including a motorcycle, foam, and two Point of Sale (PoS) machines. The victim was subsequently released to his family for medical care.”
The PPRO emphasized that the police would not provide criminals with any breeding ground in the state, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining law and order.
