Abia Police Foil Impersonation Attempt by Fake EFCC Operatives; Five Arrested
In a significant operation, Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, revealed on Saturday the successful apprehension of five individuals suspected of impersonating Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) personnel within the state.
The Commissioner of Police, speaking through the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Maureen Chinaka, detailed that the arrest followed intelligence received by the Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia. The information indicated that a four-man gang, dressed in EFCC uniforms, visited Enyioma Christ Lodge Umudike. At gunpoint, they dispossessed students of their phones and coerced them into transferring a total of 120,000 naira to the criminals’ account.
Upon receiving the information, the command swiftly deployed officers from CPS to investigate the incident and visit the crime scene. The police team successfully apprehended three men from the Man O’ War Base of the Michael Okpara University (MOUAU): Onyedikachi Ihechukwumere (25 years), Onwuka Christopher (26 years), and Tochukwu Obinna (30 years).
CP Onwuemelie disclosed that the police recovered three of the six stolen phones, along with a tricycle used during the criminal act, bearing registration number HAF 011VG FLEET NO 5868.
Further investigations led to the arrest of James Prince Victor (39 years) of Ohuhu Umuahia North, who claimed to be an EFCC personnel and had allegedly led the Man O’ War suspects to the student lodge. Chidozie Onwuzuruike (40 years), also from the same address, was arrested in connection with the incident.
The police chief detailed the recovery of four red-colored jackets with EFCC insignia, two EFCC ID cards, one of the stolen phones, one toy gun, and four EFCC search warrants during the operation. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
CP Onwuemelie advised Abians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police promptly, emphasizing the collaborative responsibility in ensuring security. He urged citizens to “say something when you see something,” reinforcing the importance of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.
