Police arrest ex-convict who allegedly robbed POS operators

The police in Anambra State have arrested a 27-year-old ex-convict, Chidera Eleh over his alleged involvement in a series of motorcycle-assisted robberies targeting Point on Sale (POS) operators and other victims in Awka, the state capital.

The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

The arrest of the suspect happened days after a CCTV footage surfaced online and showed some armed robbers attacking some POS operators in Awka, the state capital.

Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the suspect, popularly known as “Timaya,” was arrested on Friday, 9 September.

“The arrest forms part of the Command’s sustained intelligence-led efforts to track down criminals involved in motorcycle-enabled robberies and other related offences across the state,” he said.

One motorcycle, an axe, a cutlass, and other incriminating items suspected to be connected to the alleged criminal activities were recovered from the suspect, according to the police.

“The suspect is currently in police custody as investigations continue to establish the full extent of his alleged involvement and identify other accomplices,” Mr Ikenga stated.

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Police commissioner reacts

Mr Ikenga said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnanna Ama, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of criminal activities were duly prosecuted.

The spokesperson said the command had urged residents of the state, particularly POS operators, commercial motorcycle riders, and other business owners, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or criminal activities to the nearest police station.

“Further developments shall be communicated as the weekend patrol commences,” he assured.