A 25-year-old man has been arrested by the Abia State Police Command for allegedly vandalising government-owned shops and stealing iron doors from the Ubani Government Market in Umuahia.
The suspect, identified as Chigozirim Elem, is from Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but resides in Ugwunchara, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 11, 2026, when the suspect allegedly broke into four unallocated shops at the government market, damaged the buildings, and removed four double iron doors and one single iron door.
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Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka said operatives of the Mike Okiro Divisional Police Headquarters, working with members of a local vigilante group, acted on credible intelligence to apprehend the suspect.
She added that the suspect attempted to flee after spotting security operatives but was swiftly arrested. The stolen iron doors were recovered during the operation.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation, and the suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public infrastructure and maintaining law and order, while urging residents to continue reporting suspicious activities and security concerns to the nearest police station.
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