Police in Anambra State have arrested two individuals suspected of being cultists and participating in armed robbery activities.
The spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the arrests followed recent complaints about phone thefts by robbers at the popular Club Street in Awka.
He said that, in response to these complaints, Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu took swift action to curb the incidents.
Ikenga said: “Innocent road users along Club Road, Awka, popularly known as Abakaliki Street, are regularly robbed of their phones.
“As a result, police operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cult Unit, Enugwu Ukwu, visited the area in the early hours of 18th March 2025 and arrested Chibuike Ozoekwem, male, 22 and Favour Patrick, female, 19.”
He stated that both suspects were tracked and arrested in an uncompleted building at Onwurah Street, Awka.
“The operatives recovered one pump-action gun, 16 expended cartridges, a battle axe, and two suspected stolen phones.
“Subsequently, a victim identified one of the recovered phones and stated that she had been robbed at gunpoint by four armed men along Club Road on 13th March 2025.
“The police operatives have expanded their investigation to apprehend other gang members. Further details will be communicated in due course,” Ikenga said.
He added that all suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.