The Anambra State Police Command achieved a significant breakthrough in their fight against cultism and armed robbery with the apprehension of two suspects, Chibuike Ozoekwem, 22, and Favour Patrick, 19. This arrest, which took place in the early hours of March 18, 2025, stemmed from proactive security measures implemented by Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, aimed at curbing the rising incidents of robbery along Club Road, Awka, a notorious area also known as Abakaliki Street. The operation, spearheaded by operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Unit in Enugwu-Ukwu, led to the discovery of the suspects hiding within an uncompleted building located on Onwurah Street, Awka.
The arrest of Ozoekwem and Patrick yielded a substantial recovery of incriminating evidence. Among the items confiscated were a pump-action gun, a cache of 16 expended cartridges, suggesting recent use of the firearm, a battle axe, a weapon commonly associated with violent crimes, and two mobile phones suspected to have been stolen during previous robbery operations. This seizure not only removes dangerous weapons from the hands of criminals but also provides crucial evidence linking the suspects to the crimes they are alleged to have committed. The recovery underscores the effectiveness of the police operation and their commitment to dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
The recovered phones proved to be a pivotal piece of the puzzle in connecting the suspects to a specific robbery incident. One of the victims promptly identified one of the confiscated phones as hers, recounting a harrowing experience of being robbed at gunpoint by four armed men along the notorious Club Road on March 13, 2025, just five days prior to the arrests. This positive identification solidifies the link between the suspects and at least one reported armed robbery, providing concrete evidence for prosecution. It also indicates the suspects’ likely involvement in other similar crimes along the same stretch, highlighting the significance of their apprehension in potentially preventing further incidents.
The Anambra State Police Command, while acknowledging the successful apprehension of these two individuals, emphasized that their work is far from over. Recognizing that the suspects likely operated as part of a larger criminal network, the police have intensified their efforts to track down the remaining members of the gang. This diligent pursuit emphasizes the command’s commitment to disrupting the entire criminal operation, not just apprehending individual perpetrators. By dismantling the network, the police aim to create a safer environment for residents and deter future criminal activity in the area.
Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement released to the public, assured that the investigation into the activities of this suspected armed robbery and cultist group remains active and ongoing. The recovered evidence, combined with the victim’s positive identification, will form the bedrock of the case against the two arrested suspects. Ikenga emphasized the importance of due process and reiterated that the suspects will be formally charged before a court of law upon the conclusion of the investigations. This commitment to legal procedures ensures a fair trial and upholds the principles of justice.
The swift action by the Anambra State Police Command, driven by the proactive security measures implemented by CP Ikioye Orutugu, demonstrates a clear commitment to addressing the issue of armed robbery and cultism within the state. The arrest of these two suspects, the recovery of weapons and stolen property, and the ongoing investigation into the broader criminal network signify a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of the residents of Anambra State, particularly those living and working around the Club Road area. The police have vowed to continue their efforts to bring all those involved in criminal activities to justice and to maintain a proactive approach in preventing future incidents. The command also appealed to the public for continued cooperation and urged anyone with information related to these or other crimes to come forward and assist in their investigations.
