Police arrest kidnapper, dismantle syndicate in Imo
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command have arrested 40-year-old Uchenna Okpara for allegedly stabbing his brother-in-law, Uchenna Unakalamba, to death following a minor family dispute.
The incident occurred on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Council of the state. According to a statement from the police spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, the argument between the two men escalated, with Okpara reportedly attacking Unakalamba with a broken bottle.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead upon arrival. Okpara was promptly arrested by police officers who responded to the distress call, and the weapon used in the attack was recovered.
“Responding to a distress call, police operatives apprehended the suspect (Okpara) and recovered the weapon. The victim (Unakalamba) was confirmed dead at the hospital, and the suspect remains in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and subsequent prosecution,” Okoye stated.
In a related development, the Imo State Police Command successfully dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate during an intelligence-led operation on January 16, 2025.
The operation, which took place in a forest near Agwa in Oguta Local Council, led to a shootout with the syndicate. One suspect, Ozioma Dike, was arrested, while other members of the gang fled into the bushes.
A pump-action rifle loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition and an iPhone belonging to a victim kidnapped on January 8, 2025, in Ubomiri were recovered from Dike.
During interrogation, Dike confessed to being part of the gang responsible for several kidnappings in communities such as Ubomiri, Ogbaku, and Ohii in Mbaitoli Local Council.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members while Dike remains in custody. He is expected to be arraigned in court after the conclusion of the investigation,” Okoye said. “The police have assured the public of their commitment to eradicating kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.”
