On Saturday, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, disclosed the apprehension of five individuals suspected of impersonating personnel from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the state.

Onwuemelie who spoke through the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed that the command through intelligence by the Central Police Station (CPS), Umuahia received information that a 4-man gang in EFCC uniforms came to Enyioma Christ Lodge Umudike and dispossessed some students of their phones at gunpoint, and forced them to transfer a total of 120,000 naira to their account.

Onwuemelie said that the command, upon receipt of the information, deployed officers from CPS to commence investigation and visit the crime scene.
According to him, the police officers arrested three men from the Man O’ War Base of the Michael Okpara University (MOUAU); Onyedikachi Ihechukwumere ‘M’ (25 years), Onwuka Christopher ‘M’ (26 years) and Tochukwu Obinna ‘M’ (30 years) respectively.

The Abia Police Chief disclosed that the police team recovered three out of the six stolen phones, A tricycle with REG No. HAF 011VG FLEET NO 5868, which was used to facilitate their criminal act.

He further disclosed one James Prince Victor ‘M’ (39 years) of Ohuhu Umuahia North, who claimed to be an EFCC personnel that led the Man O’ War suspects to the student lodge, was arrested together with Chidozie Onwuzuruike ‘M’ (40 years) of  same address.

He disclosed that four red-coloured jackets with EFCC inscription, two EFCC ID cards, one of the stolen phones, one toy gun and four EFCC search warrants were also recovered.

He adds that investigations into the matter were still in progress.

“Abians are hereby advised to be security-sensitive and report to the police immediately in cases of suspicious activity, whether the individual is in uniform or not.

“Security is a collaborative responsibility; help us police you better. Hence, say something when you see something.”