By Chukwudi Osuji
Imo State Police Commissioner, Audu Garba Bosso has reacted to why the operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa rejected Five Million Naira bribe offered by one Mr. Paul Martins Anya, a suspected receiver of stolen vehicles.
The suspect was arrested with 450 suspected stolen motorcycles and cash sum of Six Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Naira (₦6,495,900), following investigation by the operatives into a case of armed robbery, attempted murder, and vehicle snatching.
Addressing newsmen at the Command's headquarters, Owerri on Sunday, CP Bosso said the rejection of the cash inducement by his men underscored the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and commitment to professional policing.
The Imo police boss who spoke through the Command's spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye said the operatives also recovered from the suspect, arrested along four other suspects, several vehicle plate numbers, and other incriminating exhibits, including criminal charms.
The Commissioner who assured that all suspects be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, appreciated members of the public for their continued cooperation and solicited sustained support through timely and credible information sharing.
The CP said, "the operation, conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, resulted in the arrest of five (5) suspects. The operatives also recovered one snatched shuttle bus and four hundred and fifty (450) motorcycles suspected to be stolen. Additionally, a cash sum of Six Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Naira (₦6,495,900), several vehicle plate numbers, and other incriminating exhibits, including criminal charms, were recovered from the suspects’ hideout.
"It is further noted that the suspects allegedly made an attempt to compromise the operatives with a cash inducement of Five Million Naira (₦5,000,000), which was firmly rejected in line with the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and commitment to professional policing.
"The incident was reported on 6th April 2026 at about 0900hrs, following a distress call from one Chimeze Christian of Urata, Owerri North LGA, owner of Wonder Shuttle. He reported that his driver, Paul Ejike Ohaka, who left on 5th April 2026 with a bus bearing registration number KPU 26 XA, failed to return as scheduled.
"Subsequently, the driver was found abandoned unconscious at Irete along the Onitsha Road axis, while the vehicle had been forcefully taken by unknown assailants. He was immediately evacuated to Vadan Hospital, New Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention."
He continued, "Acting on the report, operatives commenced a coordinated investigation which led to the recovery of the vehicle at a workshop in Orlu, where it was discovered and was about to be repainted in an attempt to conceal its identity. Two suspects, Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike, were arrested at the scene.
"Further investigation led to the arrest of Okechukwu Prince and Raymond Odinaka, who confessed to acting on the instructions of a fleeing suspect, Osita Chigbo, alias “Barr. Oguta.” During the operation, Paul Martins Anya, a suspected receiver of stolen vehicles, was also arrested.
"A search of the premises led to the recovery of thirteen (13) motorcycles suspected to be stolen, while follow-up operations resulted in additional recoveries, bringing the total to four hundred and fifty (450) suspected stolen motorcycles and other exhibits.
"The suspects were unable to provide valid proof of ownership for the recovered motorcycles within the period of investigation. Rather, the syndicate allegedly attempted to relocate the motorcycles to nearby bush paths in a bid to evade police detection. However, acting on credible intelligence, operatives swiftly intercepted the movement, leading to the large-scale recovery of the motorcycles."
"This operation reflects the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and its resolve to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within Imo State. The Command appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation and encourages sustained support through timely and credible information sharing." he added.
