Police arrest four in Ebonyi over organ harvesting, nab 173 others

The Nigeria Police Command in Ebonyi has announced the arrest of no fewer than 177 suspected criminals for various offences in October 2024.

The command noted that four of the 177 suspects were alleged to be involved in human organ harvesting and ritual killings.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Joshua Ukandu, disclosed this at a news conference in Abakaliki on Friday.

Ukandu explained that officers of the command arrested a total of 177 suspects, including 162 males and 15 females.

“Ninety-two suspects among them have been charged to court, while others will be arraigned once investigations are completed.”

Updating on behalf of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Anthonia Uche-Anya, regarding the command’s achievements in October 2024 and the “relentless efforts to combat crime and ensure a safe and prosperous environment for socio-economic growth in the state,” the PPRO said, “The command has employed strategic steps, including increased stakeholder engagement, to reduce crime to the barest minimum.

“Through this approach, we have been able to reduce the incidence of violent crime, while operatives of the command continue in their efforts to make the state safe for all.

“During the month under review, the command arrested 162 males and 15 females, totalling 177 suspects for various offences. Ninety-two suspects have already been charged to court, while others will be arraigned once investigations are complete.”

On the alleged organ harvesting and ritual killings, the Command’s spokesperson said that on 11 October, Mrs Blessing Chikezie reported her husband, Mr Idenyi Chikezie, missing after he left for a business trip to Lagos on 9 September.

“Command operatives from the Anti-kidnapping Unit, through diligent investigation and credible intelligence, arrested Innocent Elebe and Eze Elechi. Their statements led to the arrest of Obinna Nwanguru and Oda Peter.

“They confessed to killing Idenyi Chikezie, Chibu Odii, and Eze Fabian on different dates, attempting to extract their blood/organs for use in treating a cognitively impaired person (Down syndrome).

“Operatives of the command have recovered the corpses of Idenyi Chikezie and Chibu Odii, while efforts are ongoing to recover the remains of the third victim,” Ukandu stated.

Other suspects were arrested for kidnapping, murder, robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

NAN.