Juliana Francis
A 12 years old girl and two other teenage girls were among 10 suspects arrested for armed robbery and being in possession of weed suspected to be Indian hemp.
The girls are identified simply as Chinaz 17, Blessing 15 and Goodness 12, were arrested by Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command.
Others are Chibuzor Dimgba, 40, Nwogu Ogandima, 35, Chigozie Okeke, 26, Harvest Ake 29, Obinna Mazi, 25, Justice Ezeku, 23 and Henry Chimene, 20.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka said the minors were among six gang members arrested for being in possession of weed suspected be Indian hemp.
He explained: “On 27th August 2022, operatives deployed to Akpajo Police checking point, intercepted a red Mitsubuishi L300 bus with registration number KPR 623 XA with six occupants. Upon search, 12 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered. The suspects and exhibits are in police custody for investigation. Also on 27th August 2022, Operatives of the Command acting on credible information, arrested Justice Ezeku 23 and Henry Chimene 20, all of Ibaa Town in Emohua Local Government Area at Rumuosi/Choba Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in possession of a Beretta Pistol with breech No. 14313 without magazine. Again, on 31st of August 2022, Operatives of Oyigbo Division responded to a distress call along Umusoya Road Oyigbo, where it was reported that hoodlums were robbing residents. The quick response by the Police led to the arrest of Obinna Mazi, 25 and recovery of one locally made Revolver Pistol with one 9.19 live ammunition. Investigation is ongoing. Similarly our men on 4th September 2022, acting on information, proceeded to Obrikom and arrested one hoodlum by name Harvest Ake. One Revolver Pistol without breech number was recovered from his hideout, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp was also recovered from him. Suspect hails from Ihoo community but do operate from Ahoada. Investigation is ongoing.”
Eboka revealed that suspects arrested under the period under review were 21, arms recovered are six, live cartridges recovered are three and vehicles recovered are nine. Also, motorcycles recovered are three and phone one.
The CP further said: “I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the good people of the state for the working synergy existing between them and the Police. All the recorded achievements wouldn’t have been possible without your timely information most of which are through phone calls. I also thank everyone including corporate bodies who commiserated with us in our time of grief following the death of our erstwhile spokesperson, SP Omoni Nnamdi, who was the DPO Elimgbu until his death. We pray that God grants him peaceful rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
