Good morning, gentlemen of the press.
On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), I warmly welcome you to the State Command Headquarters, GRA, Enugu, for this important press briefing. Today, we are here to share details of a significant breakthrough in the case involving the armed robbery and murder of Mr. Stephen Aniagu, the Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMATA).
As you will recall, on the evening of September 14, 2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m., armed criminals attacked and killed Mr. Aniagu at the Topland, along Amechi Road, Enugu. During the attack, the assailants also stole the blue-coloured Toyota Corolla car he was driving. The tragic incident sent shockwaves throughout the State and beyond, and the police immediately mobilized all necessary resources to track down the perpetrators.
In response to this heinous crime, the Commissioner of Police ordered a comprehensive investigation, mobilizing both intelligence and operational assets of the Command, and to ensure that the criminals responsible were apprehended and brought to justice.
You will also recall that the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mba, swiftly directed the state security forces to intensify efforts and ensure that all those involved in this crime are apprehended and held accountable.
Consequently, through diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts between Police Detectives of the Anti-Robbery Section (D9) of the State CID and Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Command, the police arrested two male suspects involved in the crime on November 8 and 9, 2024, respectively. The suspects include: Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old native of Anike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and Ani Innocent Ebuka (a.k.a. “Excellent”), a driver and native of Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area, were arrested in Akwuke, Awkunanaw, in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State.
During interrogation, both suspects confessed to their active involvement in the crime. They provided detailed accounts of how they attacked Mr. Aniagu, snatched his vehicle, and similarly shot another male driver severally at the same location on the night of the murder, snatching his Toyota Corolla as well. Fortunately, he is stable and undergoing treatment.
Furthermore, the suspects confessed to having committed several other crimes, stating that their criminal camp was in a forest at Mmaku in Awgu LGA. They also mentioned the following names at large as members of their criminal gang and who were actively involved in the perpetration of the crimes:
Obinna Nnamani (male), of Ndiagu Ogbo-Ezinne, Akpugo in Nkanu West LGA;
Miracle (male, other names unknown, but has the nickname “C-C” or “White”), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA;
Okoro Chisom (male), of Ihie community in Awgu LGA,
Israel (male, other names and nativity unknown);
Pius Anoja (male, a.k.a “Ezeobo” and the Chief Priest of criminal group), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA;
Mosquito (male, real names unknown), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA;
Anunti (male, real names unknown), of Mmaku community in Awgu LGA; and
Iyangbakwu (male, real names unknown), of Akegbe-Ugwu community in Nkanu West LGA.
The suspects are assisting the police in the ongoing investigations to apprehend the mentioned accomplices on the run, and to recover the stolen vehicles and tools used to commit these crimes. One (1) Tecno Android phone, snatched from a victim in the crimes, and objects suspected to charms were recovered from them.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has reaffirmed the commitment of the Enugu State Police Command to apprehend all individuals connected to these crimes. He assures the public that the police will continue in its efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, particularly those involved in violent crimes. He stressed that the Command will maintain its aggressive stance against criminals and to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Enugu State.
Finally, CP Kanayo extends his appreciation to the Enugu State Government, under the proactive leadership of Dr. Peter Mba, for its unwavering support to the police and other security agencies in the State. He also lauds the good people of Enugu State, urging them to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue to support the police in maintaining peace, law, and order in our beloved Enugu State.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
DSP DANIEL NDUKWE, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer,
Enugu State Command.
November 15, 2024.