By Sampson Uhuegbu
The Imo State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a pistol with seven rounds of live ammunition following a swift response to a distress call in Owerri.
The suspects, Solomon Ejekwe, 29, from Ubaha Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, and Emeka Charles, 35, from Umuopara Ngugo in Ikeduru Local Government Area, were apprehended on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, by operatives of the Orji Divisional Headquarters in collaboration with the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
In a statement made available to ThePressman Newspaper and other media organisations, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the Command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed that the arrest followed a distress call from members of the public who reported an armed robbery incident at Aladinma, Owerri.
According to him, police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene upon receiving the information and successfully apprehended the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was washing his vehicle at a car wash located at Mangrove area of Aladinma when the suspects approached him, robbed him of his gold chain at gunpoint, and fled the scene on a motorcycle.
The victim reportedly pursued the suspects in his vehicle and succeeded in knocking them down.
The suspects were subsequently overpowered and beaten by an angry mob before police operatives arrived at the scene and took them into custody.
The police spokesperson further stated that the suspects have been taken to the Police Medical Centre for medical attention and will be arraigned in court with appropriate criminal charges upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, psc(+), mnips, commended the swift response of the operatives and the cooperation of members of the public which aided the arrest of the suspects.
He, however, cautioned residents against engaging in mob action and jungle justice, urging members of the public to always allow the law to take its course while reporting suspicious activities to the police.
