In a significant crackdown on criminal activity, the Ebonyi State Police Command announced the arrest of 177 individuals involved in a range of offenses, including kidnapping, organ harvesting, murder, unlawful possession of firearms, and armed robbery. These arrests were made throughout October 2024, and the Command has since intensified efforts to reduce crime and restore public safety in the region.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, shared details of the arrests on behalf of Commissioner of Police Anthonia A. Uche – Anya. Among the suspects, 162 are male and 15 female. DSP Ukandu further revealed that 92 of these individuals have already been charged in court, while investigations continue on the remaining cases, after which the other suspects will also face legal proceedings.
A notable aspect of this police operation was the uncovering of an organ-harvesting syndicate. DSP Ukandu disclosed that two suspects, Obinna Nwanguru and Oda Peter, have been arrested and confessed to the murders of three individuals—Chikezie Idenyi, Chibu Odii, and Eze Fabian—whom they allegedly targeted to extract blood and organs. This extraction, they admitted, was meant to be used in treating a cognitively impaired individual. The bodies of two victims, Chikezie Idenyi and Chibu Odii, have been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate the remains of the third.
The Command highlighted that such a successful operation was made possible through strategic efforts, particularly by strengthening engagement with community stakeholders. DSP Ukandu assured that the Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to ensure the safety and security of all Ebonyi residents, promising continued diligence and collaboration with the public to minimize crime across the state.
