My plan to attack Traditional ruler’s home failed – Suspect   

  By Sampson Uhuegbu

  A suspected criminal from Umuhu– Okabia community, in Orsu Local Government Area of the State, Azubuike Onwuasoanya, has made a shocking revelation of his failed attempt to attack home of the Chairman, Imo Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, at Amaifeke, Orlu Council area.

     The middle-aged leader of a criminal gang, also confessed to the abduction and killing of a retired Military Officer in the State,  Chukwuma Duru and the gruesome murder of a lawyer, at Amaifeke Orlu,  Barr Darlington Odume who was shot dead in 2023.

    In an interview with this medium, in Owerri, at the State Police Command’s Headquarters, on Friday, 17th May, 2024, Onwuasoanya confirmed that he is a member of the proscribed Eastern Security Network, ESN, which, according to the suspect, he joined in 2022.

    “Before I joined the ESN, I never knew that its members were into kidnapping, armed robbery, Snatching of cars and killings. My friend, whose name is Goodness, initiated me into the group and later I realized that it was out of government’s approval”, he said.

   Onwuasoanya disclosed  that his  gang, who are now at large, planned to attack the house of Eze Imo but their efforts were twarted by the heavy security details at the traditional ruler’s hometown.

   “The time we got to the Eze’s Palace, security men filled everywhere. I became confused. After awhile, I now saw an armoured tanker coming towards our direction with speed immediately I jumped into the bush while my gang member was caught, the suspect revealed.

    Speaking, the Head of Command’s Anti- Kidnapping Unit, CSP Oladimeji Bankole, said the Suspect, Onwuasoanya and his group had been involved in the enforcement of sit-at-home order, terrorism and other criminal activities within the State.

     Other suspects were arrested and paraded at the Command. Live ammunition were recovered from them including stolen cars and refrigerators.