Police Arrest “One-Chance” Syndicate, Robbers, Recover Stolen Tricycles In Enugu 

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command say they have arrested five suspected members of an armed robbery and one-chance syndicate operating across parts of the state, recovering an imitation gun, four stolen tricycles, and other items in the process.

The suspects identified as Ikechukwu Patrick, 19; Odoh David, 21; Izuchukwu Ogbodo, 37; Charles Ekenechukwu Egwuatu, 39; and Justina Dike, 37 were arrested between 22 November and 1 December in a series of coordinated operations by the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad.

The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this on Thursday, in a statement shared on the command’s official Whatsapp platform, and attached with pictures of the stolen items.

He said the arrests followed actionable intelligence and assistance from the Neighbourhood Watch Group.

Ndukwe said Messrs Patrick and Odoh were first apprehended on 22 November, with an imitation pistol and scissors blade recovered from them.

According to him, the duo reportedly confessed to belonging to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted that the items were intended for armed robbery.

Their disclosure, according to the police, led to the arrest of Mr Ogbodo, from whom six master keys and five MTN SIM cards were recovered.

“The investigation deepened after Mr Odoh allegedly confessed to stealing tricycles in different parts of Awkunanaw using the master keys and participating in a one-chance syndicate that targeted unsuspecting commuters.

“His statement facilitated the arrest of Ms Dike and Mr Egwuatu. Ms Dike reportedly confessed to participating in one-chance operations and dealing in hard drugs at New Garriki, where she allegedly received stolen items, including tricycles, in exchange for narcotics.

The police said four BAJAJ RE tricycles were recovered during follow-up operations. Two of the vehicles carried registration numbers JRV 461 WZ and ENU 018 VG, while the others bore no identifiable plates.

Mr Ndukwe said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has commended the operatives for what he described as diligent work.

He directed them to ensure the arrest of other members of the syndicate and the recovery of additional exhibits.

Mr Giwa also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies as the festive season approaches, assuring that the command remained committed to maintaining public safety across Enugu State.