The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Chidubem Anyigo, over the alleged burglary of a Catholic priest’s residence and theft of valuables in the state.
The suspect was apprehended on October 30 at Relief Market, following an intelligence-led operation by police operatives attached to the Okpoko Police Division, in collaboration with members of the Anambra Vigilante Group.
In a statement issued on Monday, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the arrest was linked to the burglary of St. Hilary Parish House, Owelle-Aja, Awada, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
Ikenga disclosed that the operatives recovered an iPhone 16 Pro Max and ₦150,070 in cash from the suspect.
He said preliminary investigations suggested that Anyigo allegedly broke into the parish house and carted away the items.
The police spokesman added that the suspect made useful statements during interrogation, while the victim had been contacted and positively identified the recovered property.
The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old suspect, Chidubem Anyigo, in connection with the burglary and theft of valuables belonging to a Reverend Father at St. Hilary Parish House, Owelle-Aja, Awada, Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“Items recovered from the suspect include an iPhone 16 Pro Max and a cash sum of ₦150,070. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly burgled the parish house and stole the recovered items.
“During interrogation, he reportedly made useful statements to assist the ongoing investigation. The victim has also been contacted and has positively identified the recovered items.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Ama, commended the police operatives and members of the vigilante group for their swift response to intelligence and collaboration, which resulted in the arrest and recovery of the stolen property.
Ama reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with community-based security groups and other stakeholders to curb criminal activities, safeguard lives and property, and maintain public safety across Anambra State.
