Police Arrest 24-Year-Old Suspect Over Burglary At Anambra Parish House, Recover iPhone 16 Plus

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, Chiduben Anyigo, over an alleged burglary at a parish house in Owelle-Aja, Awada, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect was reportedly arrested on Friday, October 30, 2026, following an operation by operatives of the Okpoko Police Division in collaboration with members of the Anambra Vigilante Group.

The operation was said to have followed intelligence reports linking the suspect to the burglary and theft at St. Hilary Parish House, where a Reverend Father reportedly lost an iPhone 16 Plus and an undisclosed amount of money.

The police said the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities and improve security across communities in the state.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the operatives recovered an iPhone 16 Plus and cash amounting to ₦150,070 from the suspect.

According to the police spokesperson, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly broke into the parish house and stole the items belonging to the Reverend Father.

Ikenga stated that the recovered property was subsequently presented to the victim, who reportedly identified the iPhone and other items as those taken during the incident.

The police further disclosed that the suspect had made useful statements following his arrest, adding that investigations were ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.

The command said the arrest demonstrated the importance of intelligence gathering and cooperation between security agencies and local vigilante groups in preventing and responding to criminal activities.

The police also reiterated their commitment to protecting residents and ensuring that individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.

Residents were encouraged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.

The incident has once again drawn attention to the security challenges facing residential areas and religious institutions, particularly the need for improved protection of homes, churches and other public facilities.

Although the suspect has been arrested, the police have not disclosed whether other individuals were involved in the alleged burglary or whether additional stolen property has been recovered.

The Anambra State Police Command is expected to continue its investigation into the incident before taking further legal action.

Chiduben Anyigo remains a suspect, and the allegations against him have yet to be established in court.