A member of a four-man syndicate has died after jumping down from a storey-building while fleeing from Police arrest in Onitsha, Anambra state.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed this, on Friday, said the deceased was among four-man syndicate identified by security operatives with black “Super Shopping” bag while on patrol.
He said three of the deceased accomplices fled on sighting the operatives, while the deceased, whose name and address are yet to be verified, was apprehended with the bag.
According to Ikenga, while the deceased was being escorted to be handed over to the Police along with the recovered items, attempted escape by jumping down from the storey building.
He however said the deceased sustained gunshot injuries in the process of re-arresting him, but noted that he was confirmed dead at a nearby hospital where he was rushed to.
The PPRO added that his body has been deposited at the morgue for autopsy, while all recovered exhibits are in custody and the weapon used by the vigilante has also been secured.
He added, “The Anambra State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in separate operations carried out at Onitsha and Obosi respectively in its sustained fight against acts of sabotage and vandalism of government infrastructure.
“In a separate incident same day, Operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, raided a vandal’s hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha. During the operation, three suspects were arrested.
“They include: Adamu Ali ‘M’, 25 years, Usman Sulaiman ‘M’, 22 years and Isah Abdullahi ‘M’, 26 years.
“The Operatives also recovered from them Bags of high-tension cable wires, Melted cable wires and Parts of transformer equipments.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are part of a syndicate that specialises in vandalizing and selling power installations, with Lagos identified as their major sales outlet.
“Meanwhile, a full-scale investigation into both incidents has commenced, including efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and recover more of the stolen items.
“The Command reiterates its warning to criminal elements engaging in sabotage of public utilities that the Police will relentlessly fish them out.
“The Command also urges Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around government installations to the nearest Police Station for necessary action.”
