Anambra Demolishes Church, 3 Others Over Links To Kidnappers

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra has revoked the Certificates of Occupancy of four buildings, including a church in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, due to their alleged links to kidnappers.

The buildings have subsequently been demolished.

The demolition followed the parade of 15 suspected armed robbers and kidnappers at the Special Anti-Robbery Squad headquarters, Awkuzu on Tuesday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, Olafimiham Adeoye, said the demolition was in compliance with the state’s law.

According to him, one of the suspects, Ifeanyi Nwaezeagu, the General -Overseer of Unchangeable God Ministries, Awkuzu, was allegedly involved in kidnapping of many wealthy people, including a priest.

“Nwaezeagu engaged in kidnapping unnoticed until he was caught in 2013.

“His confessional statements led to the unraveling of his gang before Gov. Obiano revoked his certificate of occupancy leading to the demolition of his church,” Mr. Adeoye said.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Emeka Chukwuemeka, said 10 of the suspects were kidnappers while five were armed robbers and car snatching syndicate using fake number plates.

He gave the names of some of the suspects to include Ifeanyichukwu Onuchukwu, Oliver Ifeanyi, Friday Ndubuisi and Obieze Asombe, who allegedly specialises in kidnapping and car snatching.

Mr. Chukwuemeka said arms seized from the suspects included one rocket launcher, a rocket, 50 AK 47 magazines and 300 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition.

(NAN)