Police arrest IPOB, ESN native doctor in Imo

Imo Police Command’s tactical team has arrested the native doctor preparing charms for members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the State.

The suspect, Benneth Okoli, 49, was arrested in his shrine at Akuma in Oru East LGA of Imo State.

Parading the suspect on Thursday at the Command Headquarters Owerri, Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro said after a diligent forensic and technical intelligence gathering, the team led by ACP Benjamin Osuji of the Command’s Department of Operations was able to trace the location of the native doctor’s shrine where the bandits were fortified for each attack.

He revealed the bandits fortified themselves against bullets and knives in the shrine before attacking police stations.

“The shrine was immediately cordoned and the teams tactically went in, where the native doctor, Benneth, was arrested.

On searching the shrine,, he said one locally made Improvised Explosive Devices, various charms, and weeds suspected to be indian hemp in a bag were recovered to the station.

According to him, the suspect, on interrogation, made useful statements which currently is assisting the police to arrest the remnants of his gangs currently on the run.

While condemning the dastardly acts of the bandits particularly the recent attack at Omuna where a DPO lost her life, the police boss, commended the gallantry displayed by the officers and men of the Command urging them to sustain the tempo.