Police detain 4 over military uniform in Abia

Abia State Police Command has confirmed the detention of four suspects arrested with military uniforms in Umuahia, the state capital.

Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, disclosed this while addressing journalists during a press conference on Thursday, noting that the suspects are currently being interrogated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

He said investigations were ongoing and assured that the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly.

“The people arrested with army uniform are being investigated. There are about three or four of them. They are undergoing interrogation,” he said.

The Command also revealed that over 200 suspects had been arrested between January and April for various offences, alongside the recovery of arms and ammunition.

Clarifying reports surrounding the death of a patient at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), the police boss stated that the incident was a case of suicide, not murder

For the issue of the patient that died at the FMC who was alleged to be murdered, it was not a murder case. It was a pure case of suicide.

“He took his life after sending a message indicating he could not meet obligations related to funds he collected as a job recruiter. We have evidence to prove that,” he said.

The CP noted that crime rates in Abia State have declined significantly, attributing the development to sustained police operations launched in December.

Between January and now, we’ve had relative peace. We have not recorded cases of kidnapping or armed robbery, which used to be prevalent. These crimes have been reduced to the barest minimum,” he stated.

However, he expressed concern over rising cult-related activities, revealing that 13 cultism cases had been handled within the period, leading to the prosecution and remand of 23 suspects.

He added that 32 firearms and various ammunition were recovered.

The police boss urged members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that efforts to clamp down on criminal elements would be intensified.

He also reiterated that bail is free and warned against extortion, encouraging residents to report any such incidents directly to his office for prompt action.

As part of welfare efforts, the Command disbursed cheques totaling N11,960,244.88 under the Inspector-General of Police welfare package to families of fallen officers.

The CP further disclosed that 771 candidates had so far been screened out of 1,005 applicants in the ongoing police recruitment exercise, which is expected to continue until April 18.

He also announced the deployment of new officers to fill key positions, including the replacement of the late Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, Chris Okoro, and the promotion of the former DCP CID.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Grace Nwogu expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police for the financial support, describing it as a vital relief for the families of deceased personnel.

Culled from vanguard