Police arrest three suspects for looting Imo teaching hospital

The police have arrested three suspects in Imo for stealing medical equipment belonging to the state teaching hospital (IMSUTH) in Orlu LGA. 

Henry Okoye, spokesperson of the Imo police command, said in a statement on Thursday, that operatives arrested one Kelechukwu Nwode while removing equipment from the healthcare facility.

Okoye said the 21-year-old suspect confessed to being a member of a syndicate that specialises in vandalizing and looting medical equipment and properties of the hospital.

He said after thorough interrogation, the suspect took detectives to his house where most of the looted items were hidden.

He added that the suspect also provided the police with actionable intelligence that led to the arrest of Jeremiah Oliver and Paul Okeke who are members of the syndicate. 

“Sequel to a series of complaints of vandalism and looting of the medical equipment and properties of Imo State University Teaching Hospital Nursery Primary (IMSUTH), Orlu by hoodlums, most especially at night,” he said.

“The DPO in charge of Orlu divisional headquarters, strategically deployed his men on surveillance patrol which resulted in the apprehension of a 21-year-old Kelechukwu Nwode of  Ukwuinyima in Ikwo LGA in Ebonyi state, who was caught in the very act of looting the hospital properties after diligently gathered actionable intelligence while others took to their heels.

“In the course of the investigation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious syndicate that specialises in vandalising and looting the medical equipment and properties of (IMSUTH).

“He took the division’s detectives to his house where most of the looted items were hidden.”

The police spokesperson said the suspects have been arraigned in court.