Abia State police have apprehended 141 suspects linked to various criminal activities, underscoring recent efforts to combat rising crime in the South-East region of Nigeria. Abia State Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka disclosed the arrests during a Thursday press briefing at the State Police Headquarters in Umuahia.
Among those detained are 110 men and 31 women accused of crimes ranging from murder and armed robbery to child trafficking, kidnapping, and illegal firearm possession. Chinaka, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, detailed that five suspects are being held in connection with the beheading of a couple in the state.
Three of the five suspects, identified as John Vincent (50), Emmanuel Sunday (45), and Amazi Efiong (70), all from Ndiwo Itumbauzo in Bende Local Government Area, were named publicly. “Intelligence reports linked two suspects to the crime, and their arrest led to the recovery of the deceased’s mobile phone. Investigations are continuing at the State Criminal Investigation Department,” Chinaka noted.
Child trafficking has also emerged as a serious issue, with police recently apprehending three suspects involved in the illegal trade of children. In early October, officers detained Chinwendu Ifeanyi and her mother, Mary Ifeanyi, who allegedly conspired to sell a one-week-old infant. The two, both from Mbarakuma Ubakala in Umuahia South Council Area, reportedly fled to Isiala-Ngwa Council Area following the transaction. Police indicated that the suspects had confessed, aiding authorities in apprehending a third accomplice, Ikechukwu Assumpta, in Owerri, Imo State. Assumpta’s residence was searched, resulting in the rescue of a six-month-old boy and a pregnant woman.
Continuing investigations led officers to an alleged orphanage home where they found 16 pregnant girls and a set of twins. Authorities handed over the case to the Imo State Police Command to pursue further inquiries.
In another incident, two men, identified as Timothy Chukwuemeka (27) and Valentine Nwaocha (53), were detained in September following their alleged role in kidnapping a seven-year-old boy. The child was safely reunited with his family, and the suspects remain in custody as investigations aim to rescue additional victims.
Cases of cult-related violence have also been recorded. Police detained one suspect, Uzoka Ebochie (40), on 21 September for allegedly conspiring with five cultists to murder Chimaobi Ojo after a dispute. “The case has been taken to court,” Chinaka confirmed.
Additionally, on 21 August, police arrested Udemgba Chizoba (32) for alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member posted to Abia State. Despite a ransom of N2 million paid for the corps member’s release, the victim was killed, and the case has since been filed in court.
In another harrowing case, a six-year-old child was rescued after being found in a bush with an unidentified man who reportedly lured her away from her mother’s shop with a packet of biscuits. “The victim was safely reunited with her family, and efforts are underway to locate the suspect,” Chinaka explained.
The police are also investigating a pastor, identified only as Uche, following accusations of raping a four-year-old child. Chinaka confirmed that investigations into this incident are still ongoing.
The surge in arrests reflects a focused police effort to address the prevalence of violent crime in Abia State. With ongoing investigations and pending court proceedings, the police aim to strengthen security and ensure justice for victims across the state.