Arrested suspect allegedly confesses to receiving ₦500,000 to hire gunmen for Anambra attack.

By Sunny A. David, Awka

A 52-year-old man, Ndibe Jude Onyenwe, has allegedly admitted to collecting ₦500,000 to recruit four gunmen for a violent attack in Urum, located in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The suspect was handed over to the Anambra State Police Command by operatives of the 302 Artillery Regiment, following his arrest at the Nigerian Army Cantonment in Onitsha.

Confirming the development in a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspect was transferred to the Command on February 5 as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, grievous bodily harm, and murder.

According to the Police, preliminary findings indicate that the suspect conspired with one Felix Godwin and other accomplices who are currently at large to organize the attack. The ambush reportedly targeted unsuspecting residents, leaving six people with severe gunshot wounds.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed that Felix Godwin transferred ₦500,000 through an Access Bank account to enable him to hire four gunmen from Ayamelum Local Government Area. He also claimed that an individual identified simply as Emeka, said to be from the Urum community, led the operation.

Police further disclosed that the suspect revealed he received an additional ₦350,000 from the alleged sponsor to purchase four packets of cartridges used during the attack.

SP Ikenga stated that the suspect remains in custody and is undergoing further questioning, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other individuals linked to the incident.

The Command assured residents that updates will be provided as investigations progress and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order across the State.