450 stolen motorcycles recovered, kidnapped driver rescued as police bust syndicate in Imo

The Imo State Police Command says it has recovered no fewer than 450 motorcycles believed to have been stolen, arrested five suspects, and rescued a commercial driver, Mr. Paul Ejike Ohaka.

Police also disclosed that N6,495,900, suspected to be proceeds of crime, was seized alongside other incriminating items.

Speaking while parading the suspects at the Command headquarters, spokesperson Henry Okoye, representing the Commissioner of Police, said the operation reflects ongoing efforts under CP Audu Garba Bosso to clamp down on criminal networks.

He explained that the arrests were made during investigations into an armed robbery case. Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, carried out coordinated raids across multiple locations, leading to the recovery of a shuttle bus and the motorcycles.

Okoye further revealed that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe officers with N5 million, but the offer was declined in line with the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

Providing details, he said two suspects, Olagoke Jelili and Goddy Ezike, were apprehended after a distress report from Chimeze Christian of Urata in Owerri North LGA, owner of Wonder Shuttle.

“He reported that his driver, Paul Ejike Ohaka, who left on 5th April, 2026 with a bus bearing registration number KPU 26 XA, failed to return as scheduled.

“Subsequently, the driver was found unconscious at Irete along the Onitsha Road axis, while the vehicle had been forcefully taken by unknown assailants.

“He was immediately evacuated to Vadan Hospital, New Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

“Acting on the report, operatives commenced a coordinated investigation which led to the recovery of the vehicle at a workshop in Orlu, where it was discovered and was about to be repainted in an attempt to conceal its identity,” he stated.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Okechukwu Prince and Raymond Odinaka, who reportedly confessed to acting on the orders of a fleeing suspect, Osita Chigbo, also known as Barrister Oguta.

Another suspect, Paul Martins Anya, identified as a receiver of stolen vehicles, was also taken into custody.

Police added that a search of the suspects’ hideout led to the recovery of 13 additional motorcycles, increasing the total number of recovered motorcycles to 450.