Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a five-member criminal gang, including a female suspect accused of luring victims, during an early morning operation on March 24, 2026, in Ihiala.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were apprehended by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. Recovered items include a locally made Beretta pistol, three Qlink motorcycles suspected to have been stolen, and a red face mask.
“The operatives arrested a five-member gang, including a female suspect who specialises in luring unsuspecting commercial motorcyclists for robbery operations in Ihiala,” Ikenga said.
Police identified the suspects as Sunday Chukwudebele (22), Adaobi Udeze (26), Chimezie Ifebi (35), Kelvin Chukwuejike (28), and Uzi Chukwuejike Williams Umeh (26). Preliminary investigations revealed that the female suspect allegedly posed as a passenger to deceive commercial motorcyclists, commonly known as okada riders, leading them to isolated locations where other gang members would attack and rob them of their motorcycles and valuables.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their swift action, reiterating the command’s resolve to protect lives and property. “We remain committed to ensuring the safety of residents across the state and urge members of the public, especially commercial motorcyclists, to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements,” he said.
