•••Recover firearm, ammunition
By Kamsi Anayo
A 30-year-old Okechukwu Chinweko has been arrested by the police for allegedly being linked to the abduction and rape of a young woman in Awka, the state capital, and a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition were also recovered from him.
The suspect, popularly known as “Bullet,” was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, during an intelligence-led operation carried out at a hideout in Umudike Community, Awka.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesman of the state police command, confirmed the suspect’s arrest on Tuesday in a statement.
According to him, the operation followed credible information received by the police regarding the suspect’s alleged involvement in serious criminal activities.
“The suspect was arrested over alleged involvement in a case of abduction, rape, and unlawful possession of firearm,” he said.
Ikenga revealed that during the raid on the hideout, operatives recovered one locally made Beretta pistol and eight rounds of 9mm live ammunition.
He further disclosed that preliminary investigations showed that the suspect had earlier been identified in connection with an incident that occurred on May 2, 2026, during which a female victim was allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted before she was later rescued by police operatives.
“The victim was found with varying degrees of injuries on her body at the time she was rescued, while the suspect reportedly escaped from the scene before the latest operation led to his arrest,” he stressed.
Ikenga also noted that the suspect had a tattoo inscription boldly written as “Bullet” on his arm, a nickname by which he is widely known.
The police command reassured residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes are tracked down and brought to justice, irrespective of how long it takes.
“The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and bringing perpetrators of crime to justice, no matter how long it takes,” the statement partly read.
The command further disclosed that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations, Ikenga added.
