By Okechukwu Okechukwu
Some angry mob in Awka, Anambra State capital, have been to stupor two persons, Mr Stephen Okoye and Chukwuemeka Nwudo for allegedly trying to rob a lady cash she withdrew from an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
The suspects, aged 19 and 27 years respectively, reportedly perpetrated the crime around Zik's Avenue, Awka, but luck ran out of them as mob pounced and panel beat them before they were eventually arrested by the State Police command.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were arrested around 4.30pm.
" The suspects were caught armed with a locally made pistol, in attempt to dispossess a young lady of her cash, after withdrawing money from ATM. The suspects were already beaten to stupor by the angry mob before police rescued them. The Operatives also recovered one locally made pistol and one live cartridge from the criminals."
He added that "The Commissioner of Police, *CP Echeng Echeng* while charging the Operatives to sustain the tempo on the fight against violent crimes in the State, reiterates the advocacy against mob action/jungle justice.
"He also encouraged the public to take suspects to police stations whenever they are apprehended, this will help
the Police to conduct proper investigations into the activities of the suspects and bring them to justice in accordance with extant laws."
"Anambra State Police Operatives while on patrol along Obosi Nkpor road by Obosi town hall at about 11:39pm on 26/6/2022, accosted a gang of armed men in white Toyota Hiace bus, red Toyota Corolla and a motorcycle. The Operatives engaged the armed men in a gun battle, neutralized two of the hoodlums and recovered one pump action, one locally fabricated pistol and red Toyota Corolla with reg nos.
"AKD 303 DW. During the gun duel with the hoodlums, the superior fire power of the Operatives made the assailants fled the scene with the Toyota Hiace bus and a motorcycle. Meanwhile, Police has intensified patrol in the area and improved operational positioning to respond to distress calls especially aimed at arresting other fleeing gang members.
"In another development, the Operatives at about 11pm on 26/6/2022 while on patrol along central school road, Umusiomen Nkpor, Ogidi recovered a white mercedes benz 350 with reg. Nos RSH 836 BE suspected to have been abandoned by criminal elements," he maintained.