The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old wanted suspect, Udochukwu Okafor, popularly known as Small-Moto, over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
The suspect was apprehended on Saturday in Ebenebe community, Awka North Local Government Area, during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
The Punch reported that the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, adding that Okafor had been on the police wanted list over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related activities and secessionist-related offences.
According to Ikenga, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspect allegedly snatched a pump-action firearm from a vigilante operative in Ebenebe.
The statement partly read, “The operation was conducted by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following intelligence-led efforts to apprehend the suspect, who was reportedly on the command’s wanted list over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related activities and secessionist-related offences.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to snatching a pump-action firearm from a vigilante operative in Ebenebe.
“He also reportedly disclosed possession of a locally made short gun, which he and other members of his alleged gang were said to have used in their criminal operations.
“The suspect further allegedly admitted to membership of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as ‘Aro-Baggers’, a group suspected of involvement in cult-related violence in Awka and its environs.”
Ikenga said investigations had been intensified to recover the firearms allegedly mentioned by the suspect and determine the extent of his suspected involvement in criminal activities.
He added that the police were working to arrest other suspected members of the gang who remained at large.
“The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue. The command assures residents that efforts to identify and apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities will be sustained in the interest of public safety and security.
“The command will provide further updates as the investigation progresses,” the statement added.
