450 stolen motorcycles recovered, victim rescued as police dislodge criminal syndicate in Imo

Imo State Police Command has recovered 450 suspected stolen motorcycles, arrested five criminal suspects and rescued one Mr. Paul Ejike Ohaka, a commercial bus driver.

The Command also disclosed that physical cash of N6, 495,900, suspected to be proceeds made from criminal activities was recovered along other incriminating items.

Parading the suspects at the Command’s Headquarters, its spokesperson, Henry Okoye on behalf of the State Police Commissioner, said that the Command under the leadership of CP Audu Garba Bosso, has made significant breakthroughs in the fight against criminal elements.

He hinted that the latest operation leading to the arrest of the suspects was made successful while carrying out an investigation into a case of armed robbery.

The operation, according to him, was conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, resulting in the arrest of the five suspects in different locations, recovering of one shuttle bus and the 450 motorcycles.

Okoye further hinted that the suspects allegedly made an attempt to bribe the operatives with a sum of Five Million Naira, which according to him was rejected in line with the Command’s zero-tolerance on corruption and its commitment to professional policing.

The Command’s spokesperson said that two suspects, Olagoke Jelili and Goddy Ezike were arrested following a distress call from one Chimeze Christian of Urata, Owerri North LGA, owner of Wonder Shuttle.

“He reported that his driver, Paul Ejike Ohaka, who left on 5th April, 2026 with a bus bearing registration number KPU 26 XA, failed to return as scheduled.

“Subsequently, the driver was found unconscious at Irete along the Onitsha Road axis, while the vehicle had been forcefully taken by unknown assailants.

“He was immediately evacuated to Vadan Hospital, New Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

“Acting on the report, operatives commenced a coordinated investigation which led to the recovery of the vehicle at a workshop in Orlu, where it was discovered and was about to be repainted in an attempt to conceal its identity,” he revealed.

Okoye added that further investigation led to the arrest of Okechukwu Prince and Raymond Odinaka, who confessed to be acting on the instructions of a fleeing suspect, Osita Chigbo, alias Barrister Oguta.

Another suspect, Paul Martins Anya, a receiver of stolen vehicles, was also arrested during the operation.

He stated that while searching the premises, 13 motorcycles suspected to be stolen were recovered, bringing the total recovered motorcycles to 450.

450 stolen motorcycles recovered, victim rescued as police dislodge criminal syndicate in Imo