Police Apprehend Alleged IPOB Commander, Notorious Kidnapper in Imo State

The Imo State Police Command successfully arrested a suspected commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), identified as Ikechukwu Uba. The arrest, conducted on December 16, was part of a coordinated effort by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by Chief Superintendent of Police Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa.

Uba, a resident of Emoha Mgbidi in Oru West Local Government Area, confessed during interrogation to being a member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) terrorist group. He claimed responsibility for orchestrating attacks on Omuma Police Station and soldiers at Mgbidi and Awo-Mmama. Shockingly, Uba revealed that he received funding from Simon Ekpa, based in Finland, to carry out terrorist activities in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, stated, “The suspects provided useful information that led to the arrest of one of their alleged sponsors, HRH EZE Anozie Augustine Agbarambo, the Traditional Ruler of Isi Mgbidi, Emoha Mgbidi autonomous community. Two locally made revolver long guns, one double barrel long gun, and 33 rounds of live cartridges were recovered during an intense search. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will face charges upon completion.”

In a separate operation, police operatives apprehended Sylvester Humble, a suspected kidnapper from the Umuoma Nekede area of the state. Humble admitted to being a member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Nekekde and Ihiagwa, providing valuable information for the arrest of his accomplices, who are still at large.

Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma commended the operatives for their “gallant” efforts and urged them to maintain the fight against crime in the state. He assured Imo residents of enhanced proactive security strategies during and after the yuletide season, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring the safety of the entire state.