Say suspect died after gun duel with security personnel
The Imo State Police Command has dismissed social media reports alleging that some persons were missing in the state, demanding explanations from the command.
Clarifying the issue, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, in a statement, said one Oluchukwu Elekwachi, in connivance with others, mentioned on the report, had allegedly found to have attacked and killed police officers on road duty, leading to a manhunt for him which led to his neutralisation.
He stated that his remains were deposited in the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owerri, while a pump action gun was recovered from him. He said: “The Imo State Police Command is aware of a social media post by Mr. Chinonso Uba (@nonsonkwa) on X, in which he falsely claims that individuals have gone missing in Imo State and demands that the Command confirm the status of Oluchukwu Elekwachi within seven days.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Command does not operate based on ultimatums from individuals on social media. However, in the interest of public clarity, we reaffirm that Elekwachi is deceased. He sustained fatal injuries during a gun duel with police operatives on September 11, 2024.”
Okoye noted that the suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment but was later confirmed dead by a medical practitioner, while his remains were deposited at the FMC Owerri, and a pump-action gun recovered from him.
“Oluchukwu Elekwachi, ‘m’, was a notorious kidnapper from Amara, Ikeduru LGA, a key member of the proscribed ESN.
He was one of the most wanted criminals in Imo State, linked to several violent crimes, including the 2022 kidnapping of a female police officer, the 2023 murder of a trailer driver at Orji Flyover, and the 2021 attack on Owerri Police Barracks, where IPOB/ESN commander “Dragon” was neutralised.
“However, his reign of terror came to an end when, on June 11, 2024, at about 6:30a.m., Elekwachi and his gang ambushed police officers conducting a stop-and-search operation at Amajohn Akabor, Ikeduru LGA, killed and carted away their two AK47 Rifles.
“The attack led to the tragic deaths of two officers—Inspector Samuel Akagu and Inspector Unah Utele—as well as a civilian security personnel, Mr. Eddy Ogele, who worked at Progressive Hotel, Akabo,” he added.
Okoye further explained that the suspect and his gang had attempted escaping, but as fate would have it, their operational vehicle, a black Lexus SUV, broke down.
“Surveillance footage from a concerned resident captured Elekwachi and five of his accomplices trying to fix the vehicle, leading to his identification.
“Building on this crucial intelligence, security operatives launched a manhunt, tracked him to his hideout at Amajohn, Ikeduru on September 11, 2024. When confronted, he engaged police operatives in a gun duel, during which he sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to escape. He was rushed to the hospital, where he later died while receiving treatment.”
In refuting the report, the command noted: “The Imo State Police Command strongly refutes the baseless claims made by Mr. Chinonso Uba, which were intended to mislead the public and incite fear.
“The allegation that individuals have gone missing under the administration of Senator Hope Uzodimma, is entirely false and misleading.
“The Command remains transparent in its operations and committed to public safety. We urge members of the public to rely on verified information from official sources rather than being misled by false narratives on social media. For further inquiries, please contact the Command through its official communication channels,” the police said.
