Owerri: The Imo Police Command has cracked open a dangerous robbery syndicate, arresting five suspects, recovering 450 stolen motorcycles and N6.4 million in cash — and turning down a N5 million bribe from gang members desperate to escape justice.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this at a news briefing in Owerri on Sunday.
Okoye said the operation targeted armed robbery, attempted murder, and vehicle snatching statewide.
He presented the suspects to newsmen on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Bosso.
The operatives also recovered N6.4 million in cash and various number plates.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, conducted the operation.
The investigation started on April 6, after commercial shuttle bus driver Mr Paul Ohaka was reported missing on April 5.
The next day, the driver was found unconscious and abandoned at Irete on the Onitsha Road, and his vehicle had been taken by unidentified attackers.
The assailants attacked him, assumed he was dead, and fled with his vehicle.
The victim was taken to a hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Detectives tracked the stolen bus to a workshop in Orlu.
During a coordinated operation, officers recovered the vehicle as suspects allegedly prepared to repaint it and conceal its identity.
Two suspects, Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike, were arrested at the workshop.
Their arrest led to the capture of three more gang members.
The suspects reportedly tried to bribe the police with N5 million to avoid prosecution, the PPRO said.
“However, the operatives rejected the cash, upholding the command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption,” he said.
Charms and other incriminating items were seized from the gang’s hideouts.
The suspects could not provide valid proof of ownership for the recovered motorcycles.
The gang tried to hide the motorcycles in bushes, where they were recovered.
The Commissioner of Police has ordered full prosecution for all involved.
The command remains committed to ensuring criminals have no safe haven in the state, Okoye said.