Imo Police Arrest 10 Suspects In Major Crackdown On Kidnapping, Robbery And Cultism

The Imo State Police Command has arrested 10 suspects linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and cult activities during a series of coordinated operations across several communities. Police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, announced the arrests in a statement on Friday, crediting the Command’s intensified anti-crime efforts led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

According to the statement, three suspects — Odinaka Ekwebelem, Ejike Sunday and Chinedu Duru — were captured for allegedly abducting a young man from Faith Glorious Assembly Church in Awo-Omamma, Oru East LGA, on November 16, 2025. Acting on intelligence, officers raided a forest hideout, rescuing the victim unharmed and recovering two assault rifles.

Two additional suspects were arrested in connection with a separate kidnapping case. One of them, 26-year-old Frank Onyemaechi from Ikeduru LGA, was apprehended after investigators found disturbing images of deceased and abducted persons on his phone. A follow-up operation led to the seizure of a locally made pistol and the arrest of his 24-year-old wife, Chidimma, who allegedly attempted to hide the weapon.

In another operation in Nchoko, Oru East, police arrested three alleged members of the NBM cult group — 22-year-old Nkwusi Tochukwu Casmir, 29-year-old Uchenna Ike and 27-year-old Ikwunna David. The suspects reportedly confessed to terrorising residents, while officers continue to track down fleeing accomplices.

Responding to a distress call about armed robbery and vehicle snatching, operatives also confronted a gang attacking motorists at gunpoint. During the criminals’ attempted escape, a driver was tragically killed. Two suspects — 25-year-old Okon Uket of Akwa Ibom and 25-year-old Uzoma Ezugo of Ohaji LGA — were arrested, and the search for additional suspects is ongoing.

DSP Okoye confirmed that the operations led to the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of several weapons, including three pump-action guns, two AK-47 rifles, a locally made pistol, 31 rounds of ammunition and 37 live cartridges.

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of residents across Imo State.