Personnel of Abia State police command have arrested five suspected armed robbers who pretended to be officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and dispossessed some students of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) of their phones at gunpoint, and forced them to transfer a total of 120,000 naira to their account.
The crime was allegedly committed on Tuesday, 23/01/2024.
This is contained in a statement on Saturday signed by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer of Abia State Command made available to ABN TV.
She said, “Upon receipt of this information, officers from Central Police Station (CPS) Umuahia commenced an investigation and visited the crime scene where they arrested three men from the Man o War base MOUAU”, she said.
She listed the suspects to include, Onyedikachi Ihechukwumere ‘M’ (25 years), Onwuka Christopher ‘M’ (26 years), and Tochukwu Obinna ‘M’ (30 years).
Exhibits recovered from them include, 3 out of the 6 stolen phones, and a tricycle with REG No. HAF 011VG FLEET NO 5868, which was used to facilitate their criminal act.
Additionally, on Wednesday 24/01/2024, one James Prince Victor ‘M’ (39 years) of Ohuhu Umuahia North, who claimed to be an EFCC personnel who also led the Man O War suspects to the student lodge at Enyioma Christ Lodge Umudike was arrested together with Chidozie Onwuzuruike ‘M’ (40 years) of same address.
Items recovered from them include, 4 red-coloured jackets with EFCC inscriptions, two EFCC ID Cards, One of the stolen phones, One toy gun, and Four EFCC search warrants.
According to the police spokesperson, Investigations into this matter are in progress.
She added, “Abians are hereby advised to be security-sensitive and report to the police immediately in cases of suspicious activity, whether the individual is in uniform or not. Security is a collaborative responsibility; help us police you better. Hence, say something when you see something.”
