In a significant breakthrough, police operatives in Anambra State have successfully apprehended two suspected armed robbers in the Abagana area, marking a crucial step towards curbing violent crime in the region. The suspects, identified as Chukwuma Diji, also known by his aliases “Sympathy” or “Chi-boy,” aged 35, from Obinagu Umudun Village, and Micheal Edochie, known as “Mikel,” aged 31, from Eziabunabu Umudun, are described as serial offenders with a history of criminal activities, including alleged rape and armed robbery.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the details in a statement issued on Sunday. He revealed that Chukwuma and Micheal had previously been wanted for allegedly raping a married woman in Obinagu Abagana. When security operatives attempted to apprehend them for this heinous crime, the duo managed to evade arrest by fleeing the community.
Their criminal activities did not stop there. The suspects were finally captured by diligent police operatives on Saturday, just nine days after committing another appalling crime. According to the police report, Chukwuma and Micheal had forcibly broken into an apartment belonging to a young lady, where they not only raped her but also her friend, at gunpoint. Adding to the victims’ trauma, the criminals coerced one of the women to transfer money into their account after subjecting them to repeated sexual assaults.
Both suspects have since confessed to the crimes, corroborating the victims’ harrowing accounts. The statement by Tochukwu Ikenga highlighted the severity of their actions and the swift response by law enforcement to bring them to justice. The statement quoted Ikenga as saying, “The criminals later forced one of the victims to transfer money to his account after they took turns of sex with them. Chukwuma and Micheal both confessed to the crime.”
In light of these grave offenses, the Commissioner of Police for the Anambra State Police Command, CP Nnaghe Itam, has directed an immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). This move is aimed at ensuring a comprehensive investigation to secure justice for the victims. CP Itam’s directive underscores the Anambra State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to tackling violent crimes and delivering justice swiftly and effectively.
The arrest of Chukwuma and Micheal also led to the recovery of several incriminating items. These included two locally made double-barrel guns, one locally made single-barrel gun, six live cartridges, and a Qlink motorcycle. These items are believed to have been used in their criminal exploits, further strengthening the case against them.
As the investigation progresses, the police have assured the public that the suspects will face charges in court once all necessary procedures are completed. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by the Anambra State Police Command to maintain law and order, ensuring the safety and security of its residents.
The broader community remains vigilant and supportive of these efforts, recognizing the importance of cooperation between the public and law enforcement to combat crime effectively. The arrest of these notorious suspects not only brings a measure of relief to the victims and their families but also reinforces the message that criminal activities will not go unpunished in Anambra State.
The community eagerly awaits the conclusion of the investigation and subsequent trial, hopeful that justice will be served and that such grievous crimes will deter future offenders. The Anambra State Police Command’s decisive action in this case exemplifies its dedication to protecting the community and upholding the rule of law.
