The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man, Ugochukwu Precious, over alleged involvement in violent criminal activities, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms in Aba.
The suspect, who is from Umuohia, Ogbor Hill, Aba, was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Aba North, following a report received by the command.
According to the police, the case started after the suspect allegedly obtained an iPhone 17 Pro Max from a seller under a payment-on-delivery arrangement in April 2026 but failed to pay for the device.
The situation reportedly worsened when the suspect allegedly engaged the services of thugs and issued threats against the seller after demands for payment were made.
The police said intelligence-led efforts by the RRS operatives led to the arrest of the suspect, who allegedly made confessional statements during interrogation.
A pump-action shotgun was later recovered from him on September 23, 2026, according to the command.
The police added that investigation into the matter is ongoing, with efforts underway to arrest other members of the suspect’s alleged gang who are currently on the run.
The suspect will be charged to court after the completion of investigations, the command stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, psc(+), mnips, JP, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cultism, violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.
He urged residents to support the police by providing timely and useful information that can assist in preventing crime.
The Commissioner said members of the public remain important partners in the fight against criminal activities and encouraged them to continue to obey the law.
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