Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested five suspected armed robbers and members of a one-chance syndicate in a string of coordinated operations carried out by the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad between November 22 and December 1, 2025.
The suspects, identified as Ikechukwu Patrick (19), Odoh David (21), Izuchukwu Ogbodo (37), Charles Ekenechukwu Egwuatu (39), and Justina Dike (37)—were apprehended following intelligence-led operations and confessional statements that linked them to robbery, cultism, tricycle theft, and one-chance activities across parts of the state.
Spokesperson for the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the arrests in a statement.
According to him, Patrick and Odoh were initially apprehended on November 22 with the assistance of the Neighbourhood Watch Group. Items recovered from them included an imitation gun and a scissors blade.
“The suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted that the recovered items were intended for armed robbery,” Ndukwe said.
Their confession led to the arrest of Izuchukwu Ogbodo, from whom operatives recovered six master keys and five MTN SIM cards.
Further investigations revealed Odoh’s involvement in tricycle theft at several locations in Awkunanaw, Enugu. He also admitted to being part of a one-chance syndicate that dispossessed commuters of their valuables. His revelations facilitated the arrest of Justina Dike and Charles Ekenechukwu Egwuatu.
Ndukwe disclosed that “Justina confessed to engaging in one-chance operations with Charles and Odoh and admitted to dealing in hard drugs at New Garriki, where she received stolen items, including tricycles, in exchange for drugs.”
The police recovered four BAJAJ RE tricycles linked to the gang. Two bore registration numbers JRV 461 WZ and ENU 018 VG, while the others had no identifiable number plates.
He noted that the suspects would be charged to court upon the completion of ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, commended the operatives for their swift and diligent work, directing them to track down all other members of the syndicate and recover more stolen items.
Ndukwe quoted the Commissioner as reiterating the command’s readiness to sustain security across the state throughout the festive season and beyond, urging residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding and cooperative with security agencies.
