By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilante operatives, has arrested six suspects in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area, for allegedly exploiting sick persons and using them to solicit alms from unsuspecting members of the public.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects — identified as Doris Basil (aged 28 years), Peter Ezedike (38), Susan Monday (27), Ogechi Okoro (27), Solomon Sunday (29), and Kenneth Achi (29) — were apprehended during a raid conducted by a joint security team on April 16, 2025, at about 6:30pm. He said the operation took place in an uncompleted building located at Isu Village, Oba.
The Police Spokesman said the team recovered six mobile phones and a total of ₦82,400, largely in small denominations of ₦50, ₦100, and ₦200 notes, believed to be proceeds from the illegal acts.
He said the team also rescued during the raid four physically ill individuals, some of whom appeared to be suffering from serious medical conditions, including brain tumors, breast cancer, and other terminal illnesses, adding that the Police provided first aid to the victims and have begun arrangements to facilitate their treatment and safe return to their families.
Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, described the act as not only fraudulent but a shameful exploitation of vulnerable individuals for financial gain. He cited Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, which deals with obtaining property by false pretence and prescribes a penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment.
CP Orutugu also directed a thorough investigation into the matter, including interrogating the relatives of the sick individuals to determine their level of involvement in the exploitative scheme.
The arrested suspects, he said, will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
The Command also reiterated its commitment to upholding justice and protecting the most vulnerable members of society, warning individuals and groups engaged in similar criminal acts to desist or face the full weight of the law.
