Fleeing Suspect Jumps from Storey Building and D!es in Anambra

A suspected member of a four-man criminal gang has d!ed after jumping from a storey building in a bid to evade arrest in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the development on Friday, August 22, said the suspect was part of a group identified by security operatives during a patrol. The men were reportedly sighted carrying black “Super Shopping” bags when they were confronted.

According to Ikenga, three of the suspects fled on sighting the operatives, while the deceased — whose identity and address are yet to be confirmed — was initially apprehended with one of the bags.

“While being escorted to be handed over to the Police along with the recovered items, he attempted to escape by jumping down from the storey building,” Ikenga said.

The spokesperson added that the suspect sustained gunshot wounds during attempts to re-arrest him. He was later confirmed dead at a nearby hospital. His body has since been deposited in a morgue for autopsy, while the recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody. The weapon used by the vigilante group during the operation was also secured.

Ikenga further disclosed that the Anambra State Police Command recorded significant breakthroughs in separate operations carried out in Onitsha and Obosi, as part of its sustained clampdown on acts of sabotage and vandalism of government infrastructure.

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In a related raid, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on intelligence, stormed a hideout along Atani Road, Onitsha, and arrested three suspects:

• Adamu Ali, 25
• Usman Sulaiman, 22
• Isah Abdullahi, 26

Recovered items from the suspects included bags of high-tension cables, melted wires, and transformer components. Preliminary investigations revealed that the men belong to a syndicate specializing in vandalizing power installations, with Lagos identified as their main sales outlet.

Ikenga stressed that a full-scale investigation into both incidents has begun, with efforts underway to track down fleeing accomplices and recover more stolen items.

“The Command reiterates its warning to criminal elements engaging in sabotage of public utilities that the Police will relentlessly fish them out. The Command also urges Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around government installations to the nearest Police Station for necessary action.”

The latest operations underscore the police command’s intensifying campaign against vandalism, theft, and gang-related activities in Anambra.