No fewer than nine suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were arrested by men of the Imo State Police Command in connection to the murder of five officers and two civilians in the state.
This development was conveyed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Henry Okoye, in a statement he made available to newsmen on Sunday.
NIGERIACRIME had reported the gruesome murder of five police officers and a couple identified as Mr and Mrs Nwagu during an attack at Okpala community in Ngor-Okpala LGA, Imo state on April 21.
It was learnt that the gunmen opened fire on the police officers while they were eating at a restaurant owned by the couple.
However, the police spokesperson said the suspects were apprehended at their hideout in Ezinihitte-Mbaise LGA on Thursday, adding that one Obali Paul, a 70-year-old man identified as a herbalist, was also arrested.
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“In the course of investigation, the suspects all confessed to be members of the dreaded IPOB/ESN syndicate terrorising the good people of Imo state and had a hand in the recent killing of five police officers and two civilians at Ngor-Okpala LGA.
“They also volunteered crucial information that assisted the operatives in raiding their second hideout in Itu, Ezinihitte-Mbaise LGA of Imo state which led to the arrest of another four suspected members of the proscribed separatist group.
“The suspects are famous on the command’s wanted list due to their nefarious activities.
“On sighting the operatives of the police, the notorious criminal syndicates engaged them in a fierce gun duel but were overpowered by the superior fire power of the tactical squad which forced them to surrender all their weapons,” the statement read.
Furthermore, Okoye disclosed that the 70-year-old man is the chief priest of the criminal gang.
He said other members of the gang escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries.