Police arrest man for phone fraud, gun possession in Abia - Punch Newspapers
File image: Nigeria Police Operatives on duty.
A 28-year-old man, Ugochukwu Precious, has been arrested by the Abia State Police Command over alleged violent criminal activities and unlawful possession of a firearm. Precious, a resident of Umuohia, Ogbor Hill, Aba, was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Aba North, following a report over an alleged unpaid iPhone 17 Pro Max obtained through a payment-on-delivery arrangement. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi. According to Chinaka, the complaint was received by the RRS Aba North on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, over allegations that Precious obtained the phone in April but failed to pay for it. She said the matter allegedly escalated when the suspect resorted to threats and engaged thugs to intimidate the seller. Otti rules out presidential bid, says he’ll retire after tenure Otti backs fuel subsidy removal, says return would hurt Nigeria Why I’m supporting Tinubu — Alex Otti “Based on actionable intelligence, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS Abia State Police Command, apprehended the suspect, who has made confessional statements affirming the allegations,” the statement said.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The police said further investigation led to the recovery of a pump-action shotgun from the suspect on Wednesday, September 23. The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the suspect’s alleged gang who were still at large. It added that Precious would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations. The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Afolabi, urged residents to remain law-abiding and assist the police by providing timely and useful information that could help prevent crime. Sunday Nwakanma Sunday Nwakanma is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 25 years of professional experience in reporting. He is based in Abia State and has worked across local, regional, and national newspapers, covering a wide range of public affairs issues. Sunday’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience, multiple professional recognitions, and a strong commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism.
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