The Imo State Police Command has detained 12 individuals accused of multiple violations such as abduction, gang activities, homicide, and other serious criminal acts within the state.
A press release published in Owerri on Wednesday from the Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Okoye Henry, stated that the command's officers, under the leadership of ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, managed to save three individuals.
This initiative forms part of the commander's continuous initiatives aimed at addressing violent criminal activities via intelligence-driven law enforcement and successful cooperation with additional security organizations, community watch groups, and key partners.
Furthermore, the operation led to the retrieval of these objects: one AK-47 assault rifle, two homemade double-barreled firearms, four handmade handguns, two active ammunition rounds, a blue Toyota Highlander vehicle lacking a license plate, a grayish Mercedes-Benz GLK jeep bearing the registration number YAB 831 DQ, three Q-Link motorbikes, a Sumec power generation unit, and eight named brand beer bottles.
In addition, the Imo State Police Command has recovered another hostage and apprehended those responsible through a collaborative, intelligence-driven mission.
The PPRO stated that their operation for rescue and apprehension took place following the kidnap of five travelers from a local bus on Obokofia Road in Egbema and the later abducting of a youth in New Owerri on June 27th, 2026.
Okoye stated that based on reliable information, officers from the Command worked together with personnel from the Egbema Police Division to conduct an operation at a presumed kidnapping den located in Obokofia within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area. During this action, three abducted individuals were successfully freed without harm, and seven people believed to be part of the group were taken into custody. Additional members of the criminal network escaped the area and are now under investigation.
The individuals under suspicion are Eric John, known as "Yahoo Welder," from Ughelli South Local Government Area in Delta State, who resides in Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema LGA; Light Chukwuma (age 18); Obinna Osuamma (age 18); Sylvester Nnadike (age 60); Tochukwu Precious (age 22); Destiny Albert (age 22); and Caroline Oziomele (age 25), all hailing from Obokofia, within the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
PPRO revealed that among the items seized during the operation were an AK-47 assault rifle, two homemade double-barreled firearms, two locally manufactured handguns, a blue Toyota Highlander SUV lacking a license plate, a gray-colored Mercedes-Benz GLK vehicle owned by one of the freed individuals, three Q-Link motorbikes, a Sumec power unit, and eight named brand cult hats.
He stated that the inquiry found that one of the recovered victims recognized one of the detained accused, Eric John, known as "Yahoo Welder," as part of the group involved in his kidnapping.
Okoye added that the inquiry showed the group had obtained N5 million from the victim's family and then requested another N50 million as a ransom prior to the individual being freed in a police operation.
A spokesperson for the command stated that during an intelligence-driven operation held on June 21st, 2026, officers from the Imo State Police Command detained five individuals believed to be part of the Senior Vikings Confraternity, referred to as SVC, who were engaged in cult-related actions in Okuku within the Owerri West Local Government Area.
The individuals under suspicion are Iwuagwu Innocent Chigozie (26), from Owu Amakohia in the Ikeduru Local Government Area; Okparaugo Kingsley (32), hailing from Ogbusisi, Umuguma, within the Owerri West Local Government Area; Uchenna Daniel Akagha (23), residing in Uborji, Okuku, part of the Owerri West Local Government Area; Nsubechi Ekezie (25), originating from Umuchiezie, Ahaizu Mbaise Local Government Area; and Nwaneri Chigemezue (28).
He stated that, during questioning, the accused individuals admitted to taking part in a cult ritual conducted on May 24th, 2026, in Umuome, Umuguma, within the Owerri West Local Government Area, where an unidentified individual was reportedly assaulted and killed.
He mentioned that following the information, agents went to the location and retrieved the decomposing corpse.
Okoye mentioned that additional operations conducted at the suspects' hiding places resulted in the retrieval of two homemade guns and two active bullets. A probe is currently underway to determine the dead person's identity and capture remaining members of the organization.
Police Commissioner, CP Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents of Imo State that the command continues to be dedicated to fighting criminal activities, enhancing cooperation with other security organizations, community-based watch groups, and citizens, as well as making sure that every perpetrator faces legal consequences.
He calls on locals to stay alert and notify the closest Police Station or use the Command’s urgent hotline number 0803 477 3600 about any unusual people or actions, since prompt and reliable details continue to be essential for safeguarding lives and assets throughout Imo State.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).