Police Crush Notorious Syndicate, Recover 450 Stolen Motorcycles In Imo

According to Ireporter Online, the Imo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious robbery syndicate following a coordinated security operation that led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of 450 allegedly stolen motorcycles.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this during a press briefing held in Owerri on Sunday, noting that the breakthrough stemmed from intensified operations targeting armed robbery, attempted murder, and vehicle theft across the state.

He stated that the suspects were paraded before journalists on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Bosso, while confirming that operatives also recovered ₦6.4 million in cash alongside several number plates believed to be linked to stolen vehicles.

According to him, the operation was executed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit under the leadership of ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa. He explained that investigations began on April 6 after a commercial bus driver, Mr Paul Ohaka, was reported missing after leaving home for work on April 5.

The driver was later found unconscious along the Irete axis on the Onitsha Road, while his vehicle had been stolen by unknown attackers who reportedly abandoned him after assuming he had died. The victim was immediately rushed to a hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

Okoye further revealed that detectives traced the stolen vehicle to a workshop in Orlu, where it was recovered just as suspects were allegedly preparing to repaint it in order to conceal its identity. Two suspects, identified as Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike, were arrested at the scene, and their interrogation led to the arrest of three additional members of the gang.

He also alleged that the suspects attempted to bribe operatives with ₦5 million, but the offer was rejected in line with the command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption. He added that charms and other incriminating items were recovered from various hideouts linked to the syndicate.

According to him, the gang could not provide valid proof of ownership for the recovered motorcycles, which were found hidden in bushes before being seized by operatives. He confirmed that the Commissioner of Police has ordered full prosecution of all suspects involved, reiterating the command’s commitment to ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in the state.