A 72-year-old man from Umuoma village Uli, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State, has been arrested by the police for allegedly manufacturing and repairing assorted guns for criminals.
However, Obi Benjamin, the Septuagenarian denied the allegation, saying he only repairs guns for the hunters of which he is a member.
The police also arrested one Okwudili John from Delta State said to be impersonating Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano for the purpose of duping people.
They were among 20 suspects paraded by the state police command in Awka yesterday over alleged armed robbery, cultism and other criminal activities.
Mr. Garba Umar, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, said his men recorded the success through determination to further stem the tide of crimes and criminality in the state to the barest minimum.
Umar said the command had to adopt visibility policing, criminal mapping, intelligence- led policing, constant raids of black spots and criminal hideouts in accordance with the recent directives of Ibrahim Idris, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP.
According to him, other suspects arrested include Ojiakor Chike (25) of Umuezeawara in Ihiala local government area, who was said to be a notorious cultist and a robbery gang member operating along Uli/Ihiala axis, as well as his accomplices, Izuchukwu Ikueze (25), Nwabueze Ikwueze (27), Chukwudi Obi (30), Tochukwu Obi and Cheta Obi, who were also members of Aiye and Vickings Confraternity.
Among items recovered from them were one Berretta Pump Action Gun with No a 302 CAL 12, (84), assorted single/double barrel guns, 10 live cartridges and other working tools used in servicing guns.
Elsewhere, the CP said the command’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, also arrested a suspected six- man robbery syndicate, who allegedly conspired and robbed one Blessing Nwanwuli at Azia in Ihiala local government area. Members of the gang were, Uzochukwu Chukeuewuzue (20) Chukwujekwu Ogbuchi (20), Nnalue Eke (25) and Kosiso Ozor (18), Ujunwa Uchendu (20) and Uchenna Ezema (23).
Similarly, Ugochukwu Afanugo (23) and Victor Okonkwo (23), who allegedly attacked one Ebuka Osita of Obinabo village, Ifitedunu and robbed him of his handsets and other valuables, were paraded.
For Okwudili John, who allegedly impersonated Governor Obiano, the CP said, “The suspect belongs to a group of internet fraudsters popularly known as “Yahoo Boys” who fraudulently obtain money under false pretense from innocent victims.
“He is also involved in using fake face book account and impersonating prominent persons including that of His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano, which he uses to defraud his victims.”
