Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested a five-member criminal gang, including a female suspect accused of luring victims, during an early morning operation carried out on March 24, 2026, in Ihiala.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the suspects were apprehended by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
Items recovered from the suspects include a locally made Beretta pistol, three Qlink motorcycles suspected to have been stolen, and a red face mask.
According to Ikenga, “The operatives arrested a five-member gang, including a female suspect who specialises in luring unsuspecting commercial motorcyclists for robbery operations in Ihiala.”
The police identified the suspects as Sunday Chukwudebele, 22; Adaobi Udeze, 26; Chimezie Ifebi, 35; Kelvin Chukwuejike, 28; and Uzi Chukwuejike Williams Umeh, 26.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the female suspect allegedly posed as a passenger to deceive commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as okada riders, directing them to isolated locations where other gang members would ambush and rob them of their motorcycles and other valuables.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their swift response and reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He urged residents, particularly commercial motorcyclists, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
