The Imo state police command says it has arrested one Ikechukeu Umaefulem, a suspected spiritual leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The police said he was arrested after a suspect alleged that ESN members patronise “spiritual homes” before attacking security operatives.
In a statement issued on Monday by Michael Abattam, Imo police spokesperson, the suspected herbalist was said to have been arrested at his home located in Ikeduru LGA of the state.
The police spokesperson said after searching the suspect’s residence, a Biafran flag, one pump action gun, gunpowder, and other “spiritual items” were recovered.
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“The Imo state police command have yet again apprehended a middle age man suspected to be the chief priest that fortifies members of the Eastern Security Network ( ESN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) before they go for operation in the state,” the statement reads.
“The command revealed that on 4th August, 2021, while interrogating suspects arrested from Okporo, Orlu LGA of Imo State, one of the suspect’s disclosed that they now patronise spiritual homes before attacking police stations and other security outfits in the state.
“It maintained that suspect later led the Imo command’s tactical teams to the home of one Ikechukeu Umaefulem, the Chief Priest and Spiritual leader of Life sabbath Synagogue Amii, Akabo in Ikeduru LGA, Imo State, where he was arrested.
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“And upon searching his spiritual home and premises, the following items were recovered: One pump action gun with five rounds of live cartridges, One improvised explosives device, knockouts, gunpowder, Biafran flag and other spiritual items.
“Meanwhile the arrested spiritualist is in custody, undergoing interrogation and is assisting the police tremendously with information that will lead to the discovery of the remnants of their camps and arrest of other members of the group in hiding.”
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