- Imo Police arrest IPOB suspects linked to Njaba monarchs’ killing
- Three men identified over 2021 royal murders
- 22 additional suspects arrested for violent crimes
- Arms, drugs, vehicles recovered during operations
The Imo State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), over the gruesome 2021 killing of two traditional rulers in Njaba Local Government Area of the state.
Police authorities said the suspects were directly connected to the murder of Eze Anayochukwu Durueburuo, the traditional ruler of Okwudo Autonomous Community, and Eze Sampson Osunwa, ruler of Ihebinowere E Autonomous Community, both killed in 2021.
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The arrested suspects were identified as Ezemonye Orji, 32, from Edda in Afikpo, Ebonyi State; Kelechi Michael, 28, of Ubowuala, Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area; and Eririogu Chukwuebuka, 28, from Egwuede Atta in Njaba Local Council.
Briefing journalists at the Imo State Police Command Headquarters in Owerri, the police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that the arrests followed sustained intelligence-led operations across different parts of the state.
According to Okoye, the command also arrested 22 other suspects for offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, drug trafficking, terrorism linked to IPOB/ESN, murder, child trafficking, as well as stealing and receiving stolen property.
“These arrests are part of our renewed commitment to rid Imo State of criminal elements and restore lasting peace,” Okoye said.
He added that police operatives recovered four assault rifles, 25 live cartridges, two vehicles, three motorcycles, and about 1,200 kilograms (35 bags) of weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa. Other items recovered include suspected stolen aluminium roofing sheets, criminal charms, and several incriminating exhibits.
The police assured residents that investigations were ongoing and that all suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.