The Anambra State Police Command has arrested six individuals for allegedly using sick people to beg for alms from the public. The arrests were made during a raid at an uncompleted building in Isu village, Oba, in the Idemili South Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were apprehended on April 16 by a combined team of officers from the Oba Divisional Police Headquarters and local vigilante operatives. The arrested suspects include Doris Basil (28), Peter Ezedike (38), Susan Monday (27), Ogechi Okoro (27), Solomon Sunday (29), and Kenneth Achi (29).
During the operation, police recovered six mobile phones and N82,400 in cash, primarily in small denominations. Four individuals who appeared to be suffering from severe medical conditions, such as brain tumors and breast cancer, were rescued from the scene and are now receiving medical care in protective custody.
Ikenga further stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, noted that the suspects’ actions could be classified under Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, which addresses obtaining property by false pretenses. This offense carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
The police commissioner expressed concern about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and has instructed investigators to question the victims’ families to determine if they were complicit in the scheme. The suspects will be prosecuted once the investigation is concluded.
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