Three Suspects Arrested in Abia State for Armed Robbery and Cultism

Three individuals, suspected to be involved in armed robbery and cult activities, were arrested by operatives of the Abia State Police Command during a stop-and-search operation in Umuagu on the night of 23rd August 2025.

The suspects, identified as Udaka Justin, 36, from Akata Village, Orlu East LGA, Imo State; Chukwuebuka Michael Nnebedun, 24, from Arondizuogu, Ideato North LGA, Imo State; and Prince David, 24, from Arodizuogu, Ideato North LGA, Imo State, were apprehended after an attempt to evade police detection.

According to DSP Maureen C. Chinaka, the arrest occurred around 9:30 PM when officers from the Quick Intervention Unit (QIU) of the Abia State Police Command conducted a routine stop-and-search at Umuagu, near the School Signboard.

The suspects, travelling in an auto-rickshaw (Keke Napep) with registration number MBL801VJ, initially pretended that the vehicle had broken down to delay the search. This diversion allowed two suspects to flee on foot, but the remaining three were promptly apprehended.

Upon searching the vehicle and the suspects, police recovered a locally made short pistol, three live cartridges, a double-edged machete, a battle axe, a black face mask, and a sachet of suspected Indian hemp. Additionally, the auto-rickshaw was also seized as part of the investigation.

The suspects are currently in police custody, and an ongoing investigation is set to determine their involvement in other criminal activities within the state.