Imo Police arrest 5-man kidnapping gang, cultists

The Imo state police command has arrested a gang of five men for cultism and kidnapping of one Mr. Okereke Tobechukwu a thirty-two (32) years old man from Umuebo Obinze in Owerri west Local Government Area of Imo state and Christopher Japhet, a twenty eight years old man from, Benue state.

The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikeokwu Orlando who confirmed the incident to The DAILY VENDOR gave the suspects names as: Ikechukwu Okoroma twenty years, from Umuezerochi, Ubanwa Patrick, twenty-seven years, from Umueje, others are, Ekene Anoruo, nineteen years, from, Umuezeruoche, Amadi Bright, twenty-seven years, from, Obokwu and Chukwuemeka Onyemaechi, twenty-nine years From, Umuejeall in Obinze in Owerri west Local Government Area of Imo state.

Sp Ikeokwu said “on 21st of April 2020 at about 6:30pm one Okereke Tobechukwu from Umuebo Obinze in Owerri West Local Government Area, who resides at Redemption Estate Umuguma, Owerri West L.G.A was kidnapped by unknown men armed with a pump action gun and machetes, as he closed from his farm work within same area. While trying to force him into his car, victim escaped from the hoodlums and they shot one Christopher Japheth who was with him and caused him severe injury on his leg.

“On receipt of the information, operatives of Anti-kidnapping Unit swung into action and arrested one Ikechukwu Okoroma in his hideout at Umuezerochi Obinze Owerri West LGA.”

The PPRO said the suspects confessed to the crime of kidnapping/cultism mentioning his gang members and took operatives to another hideout where the other four suspects were arrested. They also stated that they belong to Black Movement of Africa confraternity ‘aka’ Black Axe..

He however said the case is under investigation.

Some of the exhibits recovered from the suspects The DAILY VENDOR learnt were, one pump action gun,four live cartridges, one matchet, one leg of rubber slippers, belonging to the victim, one small black and yellow axe, symbolizing, Black Movement Of Africa Confraternity (A. K. A .Black Axe), one Acer laptop computer, charms and instruments used in smoking hard drugs.