Enugu Police declare 8 suspects wanted over alleged links with murder, terrorism

Eight suspects have been declared wanted by the Enugu State Police Command in connection with alleged terrorism and murder activities in the state.

On Monday night, the police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, issued a statement that included this announcement.

One of the suspects is Uche Asogwa, a 47-year-old retired police officer from Ovoko in the Igbo-Eze South Council Area, currently residing in Igga, Uzo-Uwani Council Area.

The other suspects include Gabriel Emebe (41), Ogechukwu Ogbonna (26), Chimezie Ugwu (21), Chizoba Ogbuabor (36), and Evarestus Eze (43). Additionally, Jude Nebeolisa (27) and Chitor Okechukwu (28), both from Igga Community, are also wanted.

The police attached photographs of the suspects to the statement and identified their crimes as conspiracy to commit murder, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, arson, and unlawful possession of firearms.

Mr. Ndukwe urged the public to assist in apprehending the suspects, promising a monetary reward for credible information leading to their capture. He also provided contact numbers for reporting sightings of the suspects.

The exact details of the suspects’ alleged crimes were not disclosed, but it is believed the declaration is linked to the recent killing of two police officers and three vigilante members in Igga Community in early May.

Following the attack, the traditional ruler of Igga Community, Herbert Ukuta, and seven other community leaders were arrested and charged with conspiracy, membership in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the murder of the five security personnel. They are currently held at the Enugu Maximum Custodial Centre.

IPOB, which advocates for an independent state of Biafra from Nigeria’s south-east and parts of the south-south, has been associated with various attacks in the region.

However, the group has consistently denied any involvement in these violent incidents.