Police Nab Man Over Unlawful Possession Of Firearm, Recover Pump-Action In Nnewi
The Police Command in Anambra has arrested one Okechukwu Igwegbe over possible unlawful possession of a firearm in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area.
The Police also recovered one pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges which had been secured as exhibits and are being subjected to further investigation.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra
who disclosed this in a Statement on Saturday said the arrest and seizures were
made on Friday following a credible intelligence.
Ikenga said the suspect had so far declined to make a statement to the Police and had not provided information regarding the source of the firearm and ammunition or the circumstances surrounding their possession.
He said Independent investigators were working to establish the siurcey of the firearm and ammunition, the circumstances surrounding their possession, and whether the recovered items were connected to any criminal activity or other persons of interest.
“The investigation will include appropriate forensic examination and ballistic tracing of the recovered firearm, where applicable, as well as verification of the ammunition and assessment of other available evidence.
“Investigators will also review relevant intelligence, interview persons who may possess useful information and pursue other lawful leads capable of establishing the source, movement and possible use of the recovered firearm,” he said.
The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra CP Nnanna-Oji Ama, has commended the operatives for their vigilance and intelligence-led intervention.
“The CP has directed the investigators to conduct a professional and thorough investigation, with particular emphasis on tracing the source of the firearm and ammunition.
“The CP also directed that they should identify any individual or network that may be connected with their possession, movement or supply.
“The CP reiterates the Command’s commitment to disrupting the circulation of illegal firearms and ammunition and strengthening intelligence-led policing across the State,” he said.
Ikenga urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to the Police and other security agencies, as such information remained vital to preventing crime and protecting communities.
