The Magistrate Court sitting in Owerri, the capital city of Imo State on Thursday 17th August,2023 arraigned two suspects, Mr. Kelechi Nwode and Mr. Jeremiah Chukwu who were allegedly specialized in vandalizing and looting properties of Imo State University Teaching Hospital, IMSUTH,Orlu.
The Police Prosecutor,ASP Christaina Ogbuji on behalf of the Commissioner of Police told the Court that Police during investigation were able to recover some of the missing items which the suspects confessed to be properties of Imo State University Teaching Hospital,IMSUTH, Orlu, while other valuation properties including air-conditioners valued at the sum of ten million naira only are yet to be recovered.
After an extensive deliberation, the presiding Magistrate adjourned the case to 29th August,2023.
While the suspects were remanded in the prison custody.
Our correspondent gathered that the suspected vandals were apprehended by IMSUTH Security Personnel and handed over to local vigilante group who later took them to Orlu Police Divisional Headquarters for further investigation.
Impeccable source revealed that the major sponsor and buyer of the IMSUTH stolen properties can only be exposed by an indepth investigation of the already apprehended suspects.
Meanwhile,a statement earlier sighted by our correspondent read,”ORLU POLICE DIVISION DETECTIVES BURST NOTORIOUS SYNDICATE SPECIALIZED IN VANDALIZING AND LOOTING IMSUTH PROPERTIES
As CP Commends detectives for a job well done, assures Imolites of maximum security.
Sequel to a series of compliant 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.
The DPO in charge of Orlu Divisional Headquarters, strategically deployed his men on surveillance patrols which resulted to the apprehension of a 21-yrs-old Kelechukwu Nwode, ‘M’, 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 investigation, the suspected confessed to being a member of a notorious syndicate who specializes on vandalizing and looting the medical equipment and properties of (IMSUTH), took the determined Division’s detectives to his house where most of the items he looted were recovered. He furnished the curious detectives with actionable intelligence that led to the arrest of his syndicate at large they included;
The suspects will be arraigned in court today to serve as a deterrent to other unrepentant criminal syndicate will similar criminal intentions.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, psc(+) reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment in ensuring maximum safety of the life and properties of the good people of the State and commended the DPO of Orji division for a job well done. The CP encourage Imolites not to relent in supporting the Police and other security agencies with credible and timely information that will assist the onslaught against criminality in the State. In case of emergencies, distress calls the Command can be reached via 08034773600 or 08098880197
ASP OKOYE HENRY
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
IMO STATE COMMAND”.
However,, IMSUTH through its Security Department Head, Emmanuel Ogeh,underlisted the following items to be missing;80kva sound proof,2airconditioners,1.5hp,3x-ray computer set, armored cables,350kva sound proof,fans, laboratory equipment among others.
