The Ebonyi State Police Command has arrested 699 suspects, including 660 males and 39 females, in connection with 372 criminal cases reported between April and September 2026. The arrests were disclosed by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters in Abakaliki on Thursday. She revealed that 309 of the suspects have already been charged to court for 162 offences, while investigations into the remaining cases are ongoing. The Command also recovered 31 assorted firearms, 33 rounds of ammunition, and three vehicles during the period.
On June 2, 2026, police operatives conducting routine patrol near Hausa Quarters Flyover intercepted Uzor Ifeanyi carrying a suspicious bag. A search led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, which was later used to charge him in court. In another operation on June 11, covert officers responded to complaints about hoodlums terrorising residents in Onueke, Ezza South LGA. They arrested five suspects—Ngwuata Henry Chikaodili, Utobo Maduabuchi Fabian, Chukwuebuka Nwokpu, Ogba Okwudili, and Eze Uba Kenneth—and seized two pump-action guns, one single-barrel gun, three machetes, four live cartridges, and illicit drugs. All five have since been arraigned in court.
On July 6, following intelligence, police raided a location in Onuebonyi-Eziagu, Ishielu LGA, where they recovered an AK-47 rifle, an empty magazine, and a Beretta pistol. This seizure marked a major step in the Command’s campaign against illegal arms circulation. Acting on further intelligence, operatives arrested Ishali Onuabuchi and traced him to Ekenedirichukwu Oge’s residence, where they found a locally made pistol, short guns, three live cartridges, and charms. Additional suspects linked to the syndicate—Obazi Chukwunonso, Chikaodiri Itumo, Monday Igboke, Uga Chibuike Elom, and Obasi Onuachi—are assisting with investigations.
In August, police raided a suspected hideout in Nkomoro Community, Ezza North LGA, after reports of sporadic shooting during a funeral. They recovered an ash-coloured Honda Accord containing 19 voter cards and two mobile phones. Investigations continue to determine ownership and purpose. Also in August, Ajah Ikechukwu from Ngwogwo, Ivo LGA, staged a fake kidnapping, demanding N25 million ransom and receiving N1 million from his family. He was arrested and confessed to orchestrating the hoax.
On August 16, a police officer was attacked by armed men while returning from work, but escaped as the assailants fled upon seeing approaching officers. The same group later kidnapped Chigbo Lucy but were intercepted near Ebebe Junction. The victim was rescued unharmed, and one suspect, Stephen Job, was arrested with a locally made pistol, 13 live cartridges, a black mask, gloves, and charms. Efforts to apprehend the others continue.
The Command also arrested six suspects over the murder of His Royal Highness Josephat Ikegwu, Traditional Ruler of Ishinkwo Autonomous Community. Two more suspects, Friday Nwafor and Ozomena Pius (alias “Oxygen”), were captured in Isiagu, Awka South LGA, Anambra State, and arraigned in court. In a cybercrime case, Okechukwu Emmanuel was arrested for secretly recording and distributing intimate videos of his ex-partner, threatening to publish them unless N17 million was paid. He admitted to sending the videos to her father and posting them online.
CP Okafor emphasized the Command’s readiness for the 2027 general elections, urging political actors to maintain peace and abide by the law. She stressed that the police remain apolitical and will not tolerate violence, hate speech, or any act threatening public order. She assured Nigerians of continued intelligence-led, proactive policing to safeguard lives and property across Ebonyi State.
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