By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Anti- kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command have arrested a 40-year-old man, Uchenna Okpara, for allegedly stabbing his in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, to death.
The incident occurred in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli LGA, on January 16, 2025, following a minor dispute involving their children. Okpara reportedly attacked Unakalamba with a broken bottle after the argument escalated.
According to a statement by the State’s Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, at the weekend, the police responded to a distress call, apprehended the suspect, and recovered the weapon. The victim was confirmed dead at the hospital.
The suspect remains in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution.
In another development, the Anti- kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command also dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation, which took place in a forest near Agwa, Oguta Local Government Area, led to the arrest of one suspect, Ozioma Dike, after an exchange of gunfire. Other members of the syndicate fled into the bushes.
The police recovered a pump-action rifle loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition and an iPhone belonging to a victim who was kidnapped on January 8, 2025, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area from the suspects.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being part of a group responsible for several kidnappings in Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii communities within Mbaitoli LGA.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members, while Dike remains in police custody. He is expected to be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the investigation.
The police have assured the public of their commitment to eradicating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
