Two suspected armed robbers have been arrested by the Anambra state police command at Upper Iweka, Onitsha.
The PRO of the police in the state, SP Haruna Mohammed, confirmed the arrest in a statement. He said that the suspects were arrested in a gun battle with the police operatives attached with the command’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the vigilante group of the community.
SP Haruna noted that the arrested suspects have been a terror to Onitsha and surrounding environments before they were caught while robbing passers-by on the fateful day.
He said, “On the 21st of June, at about 6:30pm, following intelligence report, Police operatives attached to the Command Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) in collaboration with the local vigilante group arrested at Upper Iweka in Onitsha, Anambra State one Kosisochukwu Onyemere, male, aged 20 years, and Emeka Kalu, male, aged 19 years respectively.
“Suspects were caught red-handed while robbing innocent passersby of their belongings at Upper Iweka. On sighting the police operatives suspects engaged them in a shoot out and took to their heels when overpowered. They were pursued and arrested with the assistance of the local vigilante group in the area.
“Exhibits recovered in their possessions include two locally-made revolver pistols, five .9mm live ammunition, three assorted phones allegedly snatched from the victims of the robbery operation, one driver’s licence bearing the name Fidelis Offor, and a cash sum of One hundred and twenty-three thousand nairas (N123, 000) of a different denomination.
“Case is under investigation after which suspects would be charged to court for prosecution.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Mr.John B.Abang reassures residents that the Command under his watch will continue to make Anambra State unbearable to the criminal elements until they repent or relocate from the State.”
