Law enforcement dismantles theft ring, seizes 450 motorbikes in Imo

The Imo Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious robbery syndicate, resulting in the detention of five suspects and the recovery of 450 allegedly stolen motorcycles, in a significant breakthrough.

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This achievement was made public by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, during a news briefing in Owerri on Sunday.

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According to Okoye, the breakthrough was the outcome of a successful operation targeting armed robbery, attempted murder, and vehicle snatching across the state, which was carried out by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.

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The operation, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, also resulted in the recovery of N6.4 million cash and different number plates, further highlighting the scope of the syndicate's activities.

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The investigation began on April 6, following the disappearance of a commercial shuttle bus driver, Mr Paul Ohaka, who was declared missing after leaving home for work on April 5.

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Ohaka was later found abandoned and unconscious at Irete on the Onitsha Road axis, while his vehicle had been taken by unknown assailants, who had attacked him on April 5 and assumed he was dead.

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After being found, the victim was immediately taken to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention, according to Okoye.

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Detectives tracked the stolen bus to a workshop in Orlu, where they recovered the vehicle, just as the suspects were allegedly preparing to repaint it to conceal its original identity.

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During the operation, two suspects, identified as Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike, were apprehended at the workshop, providing the lead needed to capture three additional members of the gang.

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The suspects reportedly attempted to bribe the police with N5 million to escape justice, but the operatives rejected the cash, upholding the command's zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

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Charms and other incriminating exhibits were also seized from the gang's various hideouts, further incriminating the suspects.

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The suspects were unable to provide valid proof of ownership of the recovered motorcycles, which they had attempted to hide in bushes.

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The Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale prosecution of all individuals involved, according to Okoye, who emphasized that the command remains committed to ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven within the state.