By Ado Oyeyemi
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old suspected criminal, Udochukwu Okafor, popularly known as Small-Moto, over alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping and cult-related activities.
Okafor was arrested on Saturday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, during an intelligence-led operation in Ebenebe community, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
The police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, describing the suspect as a wanted individual who had been on the command’s radar over several alleged criminal activities.
Ikenga said preliminary interrogation revealed that Okafor allegedly snatched a pump-action firearm from a vigilante operative in Ebenebe.
The suspect also reportedly disclosed that he possessed a locally made short gun, which he and other members of his alleged gang were said to have used in their operations.
According to the police, Okafor further allegedly admitted to belonging to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as Aro-Baggers, a group suspected of involvement in cult-related violence in Awka and neighbouring communities.
The command said the suspect was being investigated over alleged offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related activities and secessionist-related crimes.
Ikenga added that investigations had been intensified to recover the firearms allegedly mentioned by the suspect and determine the full extent of his suspected involvement in criminal activities.
He said efforts were also underway to track down other suspected gang members who remained at large.
The police spokesman noted that Okafor remained in custody as investigations continued, assuring residents that the command would sustain efforts to identify and arrest individuals suspected of criminal activities.
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He added that further information would be made available as the investigation progressed.
