The recent announcement from the Nigeria Police Command in Ebonyi highlights a significant crackdown on criminal activities in October 2024, resulting in the arrest of 177 suspects. This operation involved a variety of offenses, including serious allegations of human organ harvesting and ritual killings.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this at a news conference in Abakaliki on Friday.
Ukandu explained that officers of the command arrested a total of 177 suspects, including 162 males and 15 females.
“Ninety-two suspects among them have been charged to court, while others will be arraigned once investigations are completed.”
Updating on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, regarding the command’s achievements in October 2024 and the “relentless efforts to combat crime and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for socio-economic growth in the state,” the PPRO said, “The command has employed strategic steps, including increased stakeholder engagement, to reduce crime to the barest minimum.
“Through this approach, we have been able to reduce the incidence of violent crime, while operatives of the command continue in their efforts to make the state safe for all.
“During the month under review, the command arrested 162 males and 15 females, totalling 177 suspects for various offences. Ninety-two suspects have already been charged to court, while others will be arraigned once investigations are complete.”
On the alleged organ harvesting and ritual killings, the Command’s spokesperson said that on 11 October, Mrs Blessing Chikezie reported her husband, Mr Idenyi Chikezie, missing after he left for a business trip to Lagos on 9 September.
“Command operatives from the Anti-kidnapping Unit, through diligent investigation and credible intelligence, arrested Innocent Elebe and Eze Elechi. Their statements led to the arrest of Obinna Nwanguru and Oda Peter.
“They confessed to killing Idenyi Chikezie, Chibu Odii, and Eze Fabian on different dates, attempting to extract their blood/organs for use in treating a cognitively impaired person (Down syndrome).
“Operatives of the command have recovered the corpses of Idenyi Chikezie and Chibu Odii, while efforts are ongoing to recover the remains of the third victim,” Ukandu stated.
Other suspects were arrested for kidnapping, murder, robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Key points from the report include:
- Arrests and Charges: Of the 177 suspects, 162 are males and 15 are females. Ninety-two of these individuals have already been charged in court, with others pending arraignment as investigations continue.
- Human Organ Harvesting Case: The police detailed a troubling case involving the disappearance of Mr. Idenyi Chikezie, reported missing by his wife on October 11 after he went to Lagos. Following investigations, several suspects were arrested who confessed to murdering Idenyi Chikezie and two others, reportedly with the intention of extracting their organs for ritual purposes.
- Ongoing Efforts: The command emphasized its commitment to reducing crime through increased stakeholder engagement and strategic operations. They aim to make Ebonyi state safer for socio-economic development, with reported successes in decreasing violent crime incidents.
The arrests also included suspects involved in other serious crimes such as kidnapping, murder, robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. The police are continuing their efforts to ensure community safety and address these criminal activities.
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