The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man, Ugochukwu Precious, over alleged fraud involving an iPhone 17 Pro Max and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Precious, who resides in Umuohia, Ogbor Hill, Aba, was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Aba North, following a complaint concerning an unpaid phone allegedly obtained through a payment-on-delivery arrangement.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi.
According to Chinaka, the complaint was lodged on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, by a phone seller who alleged that Precious collected the iPhone in April but failed to complete payment.
She said the situation reportedly became more serious after the suspect allegedly threatened the seller and engaged suspected thugs to intimidate him.
Chinaka said police operatives, acting on intelligence, arrested the suspect, who allegedly made statements admitting to the allegations.
She stated, “Based on actionable intelligence, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS Abia State Police Command, apprehended the suspect, who has made confessional statements affirming the allegations.”
The police spokesperson added that further investigation resulted in the recovery of a pump-action shotgun allegedly from the suspect on Wednesday, September 23.
The command said investigations were continuing, while efforts were underway to apprehend other members of the alleged gang who remained at large.
It added that the suspect would be prosecuted after the completion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, urged residents to obey the law and provide the police with timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activities.
The command also assured residents that it would continue to take action against individuals suspected of engaging in violent and other criminal activities across the state.
