Enugu Police Arrest 9 Robbery Suspects, Including Keke Snatchers, Recover Arms, Ammunition, Streetlight Poles

According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspects were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as for theft of tricycles and generators, vandalism, and the pilfering of streetlight poles during separate operations.

Ndukwe further revealed that a locally-made pistol loaded with a live cartridge, two tricycles, an electric generator, and a stolen and vandalised streetlight pole were recovered from the suspects.

In detailing the operation breakthroughs, he explained: “On February 17, 2025, at approximately 11:27 a.m., police operatives from the Unity Division, in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Watch Group, arrested 20-year-old Onyebuchi Ukwu and seized a locally fabricated pistol loaded with one live cartridge. Investigations are ongoing to locate his alleged accomplices, who are believed to have been involved in criminal activities in the Nike area of Enugu metropolis.

“On February 18, 2025, at around 12:30 a.m., police operatives from the New Haven Division apprehended one Samuel Kalu for allegedly stealing a Bajaj tricycle parked on Edenwu Street, New Haven, Enugu. The suspect confessed to the theft, and the tricycle, which was stolen on February 17, 2025, was recovered and identified by its owner.

“Additionally, on February 15, 2025, while on a routine patrol, operatives from the New Haven Division intercepted and arrested a 23-year-old male, Ibrahim Ayuba, recovering a blue Kemage generator valued at N700,000. Upon interrogation, the suspect admitted to stealing the generator, which was subsequently identified by its rightful owner. Both suspects have been arraigned in court and remanded in a Correctional Custodial Centre.

“Similarly, on February 9, 2025, police operatives from the Emene Division, while conducting routine patrols along Nkwubor/Adoration Road, Enugu, intercepted an unregistered Bajaj tricycle. The rider, 33-year-old Arinze Onyia, was unable to satisfactorily explain his ownership of the tricycle. Further investigations revealed that the tricycle had been reported stolen from Adoration Ground, Enugu, on February 12, 2024. He will be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.

“Furthermore, on February 7, 2025, operatives from the Enugu Area Command acted on credible intelligence and arrested three male suspects: David Biome, Emmanuel Philip, and Abdullahi Yusuf, for vandalising and stealing solar streetlights installed by the Enugu State Government around Okpara Square, Enugu. One of the stolen streetlight poles was recovered from them. Additional interrogation led to the capture of two male criminal receivers, Lawal Mudan and John Alex, at New Artisan, Enugu, on February 10, 2025. All suspects have been arraigned in court and remanded in the Correctional Custodial Centre.”

Ndukwe also noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), “has commended the operational successes and urged the command’s operatives to remain resolute and proactive in their fight against persistent criminal elements in the state. He has encouraged citizens to continue being law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive.”