Chinedum Elekwachi
A yet-to-be identified suspect has lost his life after jumping down from a storey-building while fleeing from police arrest in Onitsha, Anambra state.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed this said the deceased was among four-man syndicate identified by security operatives with black “Super Shopping” bag while on patrol.
He said three of the suspects fled on sighting the operatives, while the deceased, whose name and address are yet to be verified, was apprehended with the bag.
According to Ikenga, the deceased was being escorted along with the recovered items to be handed over to the Police, when jumped from the storey building in an attempt to escape.
He said the deceased suspect sustained gunshot injuries in the process of re-arresting him.
He was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital where he was rushed to.
The PPRO added that his body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while all recovered exhibits are in custody and the weapon used by the vigilante has also been secured.
Ikenga said the Police Command recorded significant breakthroughs in separate operations carried out at Onitsha and Obosi in its sustained fight against sabotage and vandalism of government infrastructure.
Raid on vandals’ hideout
“In a separate incident same day, Operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, raided a vandal’s hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha. During the operation, three suspects were arrested.
“They include: Adamu Ali ‘M’, 25 years, Usman Sulaiman ‘M’, 22 years and Isah Abdullahi ‘M’, 26 years.
“The operatives also recovered bags of high-tension cable wires, melted cable wires and parts of transformer equipment from them.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are part of a syndicate that specializes in vandalizing and selling power installations, with Lagos identified as their major sales outlet.
“Meanwhile, a full-scale investigation into both incidents has commenced, including efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and recover more of the stolen items.
“The Command reiterates its warning to criminal elements engaging in sabotage of public utilities that the Police will relentlessly fish them out.
“The Command also urges Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around government installations to the nearest Police Station for necessary action.”
