‘IPOB commander’ arrested over murder of Gulak, attacks on Imo police stations

The Imo state police command has arrested one Chinwendu Nwagwu, a suspected killer of Ahmed Gulak, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The suspect was paraded during a press briefing in Owerri, Imo state capital, on Wednesday.

The police said the suspect is an army deserter who hails from Amaohuru in Nguru, Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo state.

The suspect was said to have confessed to masterminding the attack on the Imo correctional centre in April 2021 as well as attacks on several police stations in the state.

GULAK’S KILLING

Gulak, a former political adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was killed on May 30, 2021, in Owerri while on his way to the airport.

In June 2021, Anosike Chimobi, a suspect linked to the murder of Gulak, was arrested by the Imo police command.

Chimobi had alleged that he was a commercial bus driver, noting that some gunmen forced him to drive them to Gulak’s location.

The suspect said the gunmen killed the politician after he refused to give in to their demands.

During the parade of Ngwagu, the police described him as the mastermind of the politician’s murder.

‘POLICE STATION ATTACKS, HIGH PROFILE KILLINGS’

Michael Abattam, Imo police command spokesperson, said Nwagwu, popularly known as Onye-army, had been on the wanted list of the police.

Abattam said he is the operational commander and chief trainer of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) — the paramilitary outfit of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The police said the suspect was arrested after officers invaded his community during the burial ceremony of his father on December 23.

“The suspect’s modus operandi is guerilla-like operation, that is, he unleashes a surprise terror attack on unsuspecting victims and goes hiding in the neighbouring states,” the spokesperson said.

“He was arrested after a diligent gathering of both credible and technical intelligence during the late father’s burial on 23rd of December, 2022.

“On sighting the police operatives, they took cover and engaged our men in a gun duel, using the people present at the burial as a shield.

“Our gallant policemen retaliated professionally and tactically and later arrested the kingpin after a hot chase.”

Speaking with journalists, the suspect said he has trained over 1000 terror gang members across the south-east zone.

He confessed to masterminding high-profile killings, armed robbery, abductions, and a series of attacks.

“My gang, which includes Okevhukwu Duru and others, led the kidnap of Jude Nwahiri on 4th November 2021,” the suspect said.

“We collected the sum of N21,000,000 as ransom after killing four persons in his residence at Umuohuru Nguru Aboh-Mbaise.

“I also led the killing of the traditional ruler of Amaohuru Nguru Aboh-Mbaise. His Royal Highness, Eze Anthony Anyanwu on the 10th of December, 2021.”

The suspect also said he orchestrated attacks on the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).