Police arrest man who tried to burn Charly Boy’s family house & kidnappers

The Imo State Police Command has announced arrest of a man who tried to burn the family house of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, the father of Nigeria’s ace musician cum activist, Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy.

This was disclosed during a press briefing held on March 17, 2021, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Orlando Ikeokwu on behalf of the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Mohammed.

According to SP Ikeokwu, the suspect claimed that he was frustrated with life not being able to secure a job after graduating from the university.

He decided to vent his anger by razing down the building of prominent persons in his community believing that the burning of late Justice Oputa’s house will draw attention of the Government.

Some suspects and items recovered by Imo State Police Command

The Police also reported arrest of five suspects involved in kidnapping and attempted kidnapping.

SP Ikeokwu, while speaking, recalled some recent developments as regards to crime detection in the command.

He noted that on the 27th of December, 2020, Imo State made headlines with the kidnap of the Auxiliary Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese, Bishop Moses Chikwe and his driver, Ndubuisi Robert.

Sequel to that, the Command strategized and ensured the release of the Bishop and others held captive.

According to Ikeokwu, CP Nasiru Mohammed activated all the tactical units of the command and as a result of that the suspects involved in the act were arrested.

He presented the report of the five suspects involved in kidnapping, attempted arson and attempted kidnapping as follows:

1. Arrest of kidnap suspects

Sequel to the kidnap of Bishop Moses Chikwe, the Auxillary Bishop of Owerri Arch Diocese, together with his driver one Ndubuisi Robert on the 27th of December, 2020, Operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Quick Intervention Team swiftly swung into action and as a result of a coordinated operation at Awara in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State, the kidnappers released the Bishop, the driver and other victims held in captivity.

However, the Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Mohammed in keeping to his vow to rid Imo State of crime and criminality, ordered the AKU and QIT to ensure the hoodlums are brought to book.

Moreover, on the 28/02/2021, the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and Quick Intervention Team (QIT) arrested the following suspects: –

1. Peter Aluo ‘m’ aka “Okwudor” 28yrs of Awara;
2. Ihedum Ulunwa ‘m’ aka “Iron” 31yrs of Awara;
3. Osinachi Ngozi ‘m’ aka 26yrs of Awara; all of Ohaji/Egbema LGA, Imo State.

They all confessed to the crime, and also narrated their role in the operation, as well as other related operations. Efforts are at advance stage to arrest other fleeing members.

2. Arrest of suspected kidnapper

Upon credible information received on 9th March 2021, operatives of the Divisional Police Headquarters Nekede/ Ihiagwa around FUTO Road, Umuanunu, Ihiagwa and arrested one Chukwuemeka Anyim ‘m’ of Reserve ‘B’ Housing Estate, World Bank, Owerri, who was said to be making plans to kidnap his employer u woman.  Investigation is ongoing.

3. Attempted arson

On 8/03/2021, acting on a distress call, operatives of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Oguta arrested one Emmanuel Ogbonna ‘m’ of Amazuo Village in Oguta, for attempting to burn down the residence of the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa.

Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Orlando Ikeokwu

The suspect who claimed that he was frustrated with life, as he has not been able to secure a job after graduating from the university, decided to vent his anger by razing down the building of prominent persons in his community.

He said he believe that the burning of late Justice Oputa’s house will draw the attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The fire was put off by some people in the area almost immediately after he ignited it.

Investigation is ongoing.

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