By Sophia Afolabi
Operatives of the Orji Divisional Headquarters, in collaboration with the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command, have arrested two suspected armed robbers in Owerri, the state capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen.
Okoye said the suspects accosted a man who was washing his car at a car wash located at the Mangrove area of Aladinma, Owerri. The suspects reportedly brandished a firearm and robbed the victim of his gold chain before fleeing the scene
The PPRO, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), explained that the victim immediately pursued the suspects with his vehicle and knocked them down, prompting a mob to gather and descend on them before the police were alerted.
He said police operatives later arrived at the scene and arrested the suspects, recovering a pistol and seven rounds of live ammunition.
According to the statement:
“Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a pistol and seven rounds of live ammunition following a swift response to a distress call in Owerri.”
Okoye identified the suspects as Solomon Ejekwe, 29, of Ubaha Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, and Emeka Charles, 35, of Umuopara Ngugo in Ikeduru Local Government Area.
“The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Orji Divisional Headquarters in collaboration with the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit following a distress call from members of the public reporting an armed robbery incident at Aladinma, Owerri,” he said.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects approached the victim while he was washing his car, robbed him at gunpoint and escaped on a motorcycle.
“The victim, however, pursued the suspects in his vehicle and succeeded in knocking them down. They were subsequently overpowered and beaten by an angry mob before police operatives arrived at the scene and took them into custody,” the police spokesperson added.
Okoye said the suspects were taken to the police medical centre for treatment and would be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations.
“The suspects have been rushed to the police medical centre for medical attention and will be arraigned in court with appropriate criminal charges at the earliest possible time,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Garba Bosso, commended the operatives for their swift response and praised members of the public for cooperating with the police during the incident.
He, however, cautioned residents against engaging in mob action and jungle justice, urging them to always allow the law to take its course.
