The police in Imo State have arrested four men who allegedly robbed a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Wence Isidiem, and members of his church.
A spokesperson for the police in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, identified the suspects as Justice Anukam, 18; Chidiebube Emezi, 21; Sandy Chisom, 24; and Chidiuto Onwusiribe, 21.
Ikeokwu said aside from robbing the parish priest, the suspects also robbed some of the members, including Ogechi Igwe, Chibuzor Anukam, Kizzito Uwalaka and Peace Iwegwa.
He said, “Sequel to multiple cases of armed robbery and cult activities around Nekede/Ihiagwa communities and environs, the Commissioner of Police, Nasiru Mohmammed, ordered a coordinated operation in the area.
“On February 23, operatives of the divisional police headquarters, Nekede/Ihiagwa, after a sting operation in the area, arrested Justice Anukan, Emezi Chidiebube, Sandy Chisom and Onwusiribe Chidiuto.
“They were identified as the men who robbed worshippers at St. Paul’s Catholic Church Nekede, of their valuables at gunpoint.
“At the point of arrest, one locally-made pistol, one cut-to-size single-barrelled gun, one toy rifle and one toy pistol were recovered from them.
“They confessed to be responsible for the upsurge in criminal activities in the area. Investigation is ongoing.”
