UMUAHIA, NIGERIA — The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man, Chinedu Okoro, for allegedly obtaining an iPhone through fraud and for unlawful possession of a pump-action shotgun.
The suspect was paraded on Friday at the Command headquarters in Umuahia by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, who represented the Commissioner of Police. She said the suspect was arrested following a complaint by a trader at the Ariaria International Market in Aba, who alleged that Okoro obtained an iPhone 16 Pro Max from him under false pretences.
According to Chinaka, the suspect had posed as a customer and requested to test the phone. He reportedly fled with the device without paying. The trader reported the incident to the police, leading to an investigation that led to the suspect’s arrest at his hideout in Aba.
“Following a complaint by a trader at Ariaria Market, our operatives launched an investigation and arrested the suspect, Chinedu Okoro. During a search of his residence, we recovered a pump-action shotgun and two live cartridges. The suspect could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the possession of the firearm,” Chinaka stated.
She said the suspect had confessed to the crime and had been involved in a series of similar frauds at the market. She disclosed that the police were also investigating his links to a criminal gang that specialises in phone theft and armed robbery in Aba and its environs.
“The suspect has confessed to the crime and has provided useful information that will help us to apprehend other members of his gang. We are intensifying efforts to arrest all those involved,” she said.
Chinaka said the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. She also warned members of the public to be cautious when transacting business, particularly in crowded markets, and to report any suspicious activity to the police.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. We also advise traders to be careful when dealing with customers they do not know, especially in cases involving expensive items,” she said.
The arrest of the suspect has been welcomed by traders at Ariaria Market, who have complained about the activities of fraudsters in the area. The Chairman of the Ariaria Traders Association, Mr. Emeka Anyanwu, commended the police for their swift action, noting that the arrest would serve as a deterrent to others.
“We are grateful to the police for arresting this criminal. He has been a menace to our members for a long time. We hope that his arrest will serve as a warning to others who are involved in this illegal business,” Anyanwu said.
The Abia State Government has also commended the police for the arrest, describing it as a positive development in the fight against crime in the state. The Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Chibueze Onwuka, said the government would continue to support the police and other security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property.
“We will not allow criminals to operate freely in our state. The government is fully behind our security agencies, and we will continue to support them in every way possible,” Onwuka said.
As the investigation continues, the police have assured the public that they will do everything possible to ensure that the suspect and his accomplices are brought to justice. For now, the arrest of the suspect is a significant victory in the fight against fraud and illegal possession of firearms in Abia State.
