No fewer than 177 suspects were arrested by the Ebonyi State Police Command for various crimes in October 2024, including four linked to alleged organ harvesting and ritual killings.
The police command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed the arrests at a news conference in Abakaliki on Friday, which included 162 males and 15 females.
Ninety-two suspects have been charged to court, with others pending further investigation.
Giving an update on behalf of CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, Ukandu said, “The command has employed strategic steps, including increased stakeholder engagement, to reduce crime to the barest minimum.”
He highlighted achievements geared towards creating a “safe and prosperous environment for socio-economic growth in the state,” citing efforts that have significantly reduced violent crimes.
Among the incidents, Ukandu reported an organ harvesting investigation that began after Mrs. Blessing Chikezie reported her husband, Mr. Idenyi Chikezie, missing on October 11th.
He was last seen in September while on a business trip to Lagos.
DSP Ukandu stated, “Command operatives from the Anti-kidnapping Unit, through diligent investigation, arrested Innocent Elebe and Eze Elechi. Their statements led to the arrest of Obinna Nwanguru and Oda Peter.
“They confessed to killing Idenyi Chikezie, Chibu Odii, and Eze Fabian on different dates, attempting to extract their blood/organs for use in treating a cognitively impaired person (Down syndrome).”
The command claimed that two corpses had been retrieved and that efforts were underway to locate the remains of the third victim.
Other arrests included suspects in kidnapping, homicide, robbery, and illegal firearm possession.
The command reiterated its commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of Ebonyi State inhabitants.
