Imo Police Bust Bank Robber in Hotel Room …Adopt New Strategies to Stem Crime Rate, Cultism

Imo State commissioner of police (CP), Chris Okey Ezike, has called for more robust synergy among security agencies in the state, as his men bust a bank robber and a soldier who allegedly robbed students.

According to a statement issued by the state police spokesman, DSP Andrew Enwerem, the CP made the call during his courtesy visits to sister security agencies in the state, noting that relationship among the agencies has been an age long tradition that has improved security.

Ezike added that there was the need to harness the relationship to foster effective and efficient service delivery to the people to ensure a safe and secure society.

He identified cultism as the bane of security challenges and called for all hands to be on deck to put a stop to the activities of cultists in the state.

Ezike promised to welcome any cultist willing to renounce his membership with open arms… BUT those who still indulge in cult related activities will not be spared.

Adopting what he called ‘Carrot and Stick’ approach, Ezike promised to welcome any cultist willing to renounce his membership with open arms. He said that those who still indulge in cult related activities would not be spared.

Enwerem said, “The CP has so far visited the State Director of State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Abdullahi D. Abdullahi; the Commander, Nigeria Air force 211 Regiment, Group Capt Solomon Lazarus; the Controller, Nigeria Prison Service, CP Chris Okoye, and the Comptroller Nigerian Immigration Service, Lady Nneka Uchendu.

“Meetings were also held with Ngor Okpala traditional rulers, herdsmen, farmers, and representatives of Miyeti Allah, sequel to intelligence report of likelihood of fracas occasioned by alleged cattle grazing in farmlands.

“The meeting was attended by the SSA to the Governor on Northern affairs, Alh Faysal Lawal. The deliberation was frank and fruitful. The CP also met with members of the Nigeria Bar Association, Imo branch, hoping to foster harmonious working relationship; and he met with INEC Administrative Secretary and his management team over continuous Voter Registration and promised adequate security.”

Meanwhile, Ezike’s men in Owerri West have reported the arrest of one Chikwado Ishinguzu, described as a most wanted and notorious armed robbery suspect while taking refuge in a hotel.

According to the police, the suspect hails from Amaizaa in Isu area of Imo.

He allegedly confessed to a series of armed robberies in Abia, Rivers, and Imo states, including the attempted robbery of a bank in Aba, where two of his gang members were shot dead by the police.

Newsmakersng also learnt of the arrest of a soldier on April 26, following a robbery incident five days earlier at about 11:20pm. The suspect was identified as Samaila Adamu with service number NA/62/0889 attached to 34 Artillery brigade, Obinze.

Adamu with one other person at large allegedly robbed students of Blessed Favour Lodge at Nekede of their belongings including phones, laptops and cash of N20, 000.

The police said that military authorities had been informed of the incident.

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