In October 2024, the Ebonyi State Police Command said that 177 people had been arrested for a variety of offences, including four connected to alleged ritual murders and organ harvesting.

The arrests, which comprised 162 men and 15 women, were revealed by DSP Joshua Ukandu, the command’s public relations officer, at a press conference in Abakaliki on Friday. Ninety-two individuals have been charged and others are still being looked at.

“The command has employed strategic steps, including increased stakeholder engagement, to reduce crime to the barest minimum,” Ukandu stated in an update on behalf of CP Anthonia Uche-Anya.

Citing initiatives that have greatly decreased violent crimes, he highlighted accomplishments meant to create a “safe and prosperous environment for socio-economic growth in the state.”

Ukandu mentioned one of the instances, an organ harvesting inquiry that started when Mrs. Blessing Chikezie reported her husband, Mr. Idenyi Chikezie, missing on October 11.

In September, he was last spotted in Lagos while on a business trip.

“Command officers from the Anti-kidnapping Unit arrested Innocent Elebe and Eze Elechi after conducting a thorough investigation,” said DSP Ukandu. Oda Peter and Obinna Nwanguru were arrested as a result of their statements.

They admitted to killing Idenyi Chikezie, Chibu Odii, and Eze Fabian on separate occasions in an effort to get their organs and blood to cure Down syndrome, a condition that impairs cognitive function.

According to the command, two bodies have been found, while the remains of the third victim are still being sought.

Suspects implicated in robbery, homicide, kidnapping, and illegal gun ownership were among those arrested.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and ensuring people of Ebonyi State are secure.