Speaking at a news conference in Abakaliki on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer DSP Joshua Ukandu disclosed that the arrests included 162 males and 15 females. Ninety-two of the suspects have already been charged in court, with others awaiting arraignment as investigations continue.
The arrests underscore what CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, through Ukandu, described as the command’s commitment to combatting crime and enhancing public safety. Ukandu reported that the command is taking a comprehensive approach, collaborating with community stakeholders to curb crime and support a safe environment for growth in Ebonyi.
Among the suspects, four men are under investigation for alleged organ harvesting and ritual killings. According to Ukandu, the investigation began on October 11, when a woman named Blessing Chikezie reported her husband, Idenyi Chikezie, missing after a September business trip to Lagos. Through investigations led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, suspects Innocent Elebe and Eze Elechi were apprehended, leading to the arrest of Obinna Nwanguru and Oda Peter. The men reportedly confessed to killing Chikezie and two other victims, intending to use their organs in ritual treatments.
The police have since recovered the bodies of Chikezie and Chibu Odii, with efforts ongoing to locate the third victim. The remaining suspects face charges ranging from kidnapping and murder to robbery and unlawful firearm possession.
