Beatrice Onuchukwu
9 December 2011
Awka — The State Security Service (SSS) in Anambra State on Wednesday foiled a bank robbery in Awka, the state capital, after a gun duel with suspected robbers. Director of SSS in the state, Mr. Alex Okeiyi, while displaying the arms and ammunition recovered from the three suspected robbers, who were also arrested, said preliminary investigation has shown that the suspects intended to rob four banks located along Zik’s Avenue in Awka metropolis.
According to him, the vehicle, which was conveying the robbers, was loaded with 2 general multipurpose guns, 653 rounds of ammunitions, and 3 pairs of hand gloves.
“They were confronted by a team of security agents, and after an exchange of gun fire, 3 of them were arrested while the others escaped with varying degrees of injuries”, he said.
Okeiyi said in another development, 2 kidnap suspects, Onyekachukwu Obigwe from Umueri in Anambra State, and Emenike Osi from Enugu State, were arrested in Gwagwalada, FCT. He said they were arrested in connection with the kidnap of Aniemeka Charles Akaa, a final year Law student of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
He said while searching the residence of one of the suspects, Osi, his men discovered $318,000, and an ATM card belonging to one Innocent Idibia, now at large.
He added that it was discovered that the ATM card was used to withdraw an initial ransom of N1 million paid by the victim’s father.
Okeiyi thanked Governor Peter Obi, the Commander of 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha and the state’s Commissioner of Police, Muktari Ibrahim for their support during the operation.
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