Six accused have been taken into custody by the Anambra State Police Command for allegedly hiring ill people to solicit alms from the public.
SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the state police spokesperson, revealed in a news release on Thursday that the suspects were taken into custody at an unfinished building in Isu Village in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
According to Ikenga, the police also found 82,400 in ₦50, ₦100, and ₦200 denominations, as well as six cell phones.
He claims that four sick people who seemed to have breast cancer, brain tumors, and other life-threatening conditions were pulled from the scene and placed under arrest.
A joint security team made up of police officers from Oba Divisional Police Headquarters and Anambra Vigilante operatives raided an unfinished building in Isu Village, Oba, on April 16 at 6:30 p.m., according to the statement. Six suspects were taken into custody for allegedly hiring sick people to solicit alms from members of the public.The suspects are 28-year-old Doris Basil, 38-year-old Peter Ezedike, 27-year-old Susan Monday, 27-year-old Ogechi Okoro, 29-year-old Solomon Sunday, and 29-year-old Kenneth Achi.
Along with recovering six cell phones and 82,400 in ₦50, ₦100, and ₦200 denominations, the agents also took four ill people into safe custody who seemed to be suffering from breast cancer, brain tumors, and other terminal illnesses.
In addition to seeking higher medical intervention for the sick individuals’ care and safe return to their respective homes, the operatives administered first assistance to the patients.
He continued by saying that in response to the incident, CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Commissioner of Police, pointed out that Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act addresses gaining property by deception, or “419 fraud.”
The CP voiced concern about the degree of moral deterioration in those who take advantage of sick people for their own benefit and pointed out that it is a felony with a maximum sentence of three years in jail.
He also ordered the relatives of the ill people to be questioned very away in order to determine their guilt.
“After the investigations are finished, all of the suspects will face charges in court,” he continued.
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