Six Arrested in Oba for Allegedly Using Sick Persons to Beg for Alms

Six individuals have been arrested in Isu village, Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, for allegedly hiring sick persons to solicit alms from unsuspecting members of the public.

The arrests were made during a raid carried out at about 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, by a Joint Security Team comprising officers from the Oba Divisional Police Headquarters and operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group. The suspects were found in an uncompleted building and taken into custody.

The suspects were identified as Doris Basil (28), Peter Ezedike (38), Susan Monday (27), Ogechi Okoro (27), Solomon Sunday (29), and Kenneth Achi (29). According to police, they were allegedly using individuals suffering from severe illnesses—including brain tumours and breast cancer—to elicit sympathy and collect money from the public.

Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who released the statement on behalf of the Command, said the operatives also recovered six mobile phones and a total sum of ₦82,400 in denominations of ₦50, ₦100, and ₦200 notes during the operation.

“Four ill persons were found at the scene and taken into protective custody. From initial assessment, they appear to be suffering from serious medical conditions including brain tumour and breast cancer,” SP Ikenga said. “First aid was administered, and efforts are ongoing to provide them with further medical attention and facilitate their safe return to their respective families.”

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the act, describing it as “a disturbing sign of moral decay.” He referenced Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, which criminalises obtaining property by false pretence and carries a penalty of up to three years imprisonment.

“It is deeply troubling that individuals would exploit the vulnerable for personal gain. We must send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated,” CP Orutugu stated.

He further directed investigators to trace and question the relatives of the sick individuals to determine whether they were complicit in the scheme.

The police confirmed that all six suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.