- Safiu Kehinde
Imo State Police Command have confirmed the death of an suspected notorious kidnapper and members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) Oluchukwu Elekwachi.
As against claim by an X user, Chinoso Uba, that Elekwachi was missing, the Command dismissed the claim, revealing that the suspected kidnapper died from gun shot wound days after attacking operatives of the Command on the 11th of September 2024.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s spokesman, Okoye Henry.
While maintaining that the Police does not work with ultimatum as issued by Uba, Henry claimed Elekwachi and his gang were linked to several violent crimes including the 2022 kidnapping of a female police officer, the 2023 murder of a trailer driver at Orji Flyover.
He also recalled how the late suspected kidnapper had ambushed police officers conducting a stop-and-search operation at Amajohn Akabor, Ikeduru LGA.
The attack led to the tragic deaths of two officers—Inspector Samuel Akagu and Inspector Unah.
However, it also led to his death as the Police trailed him to his hideout at Amajohn Ikeredu where he sustained a gun shot wound during fire exchange with operatives of the Command.
The statement read in part; “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 Oluchukwu Elekwachi is deceased. He sustained fatal injuries during a gun duel with police operatives on September 11, 2024. He was taken to the hospital for treatment but was later confirmed dead by medical practitioner.
“His body remains at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, and a pump-action gun was 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 neutralized.
“However, his reign of terror came to an end when, on September 11, 2024, at about 06:30 hours, Elekwachi and his gang ambushed police officers conducting a stop-and-search operation at Amajohn Akabor, Ikeduru LGA. 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.
“Fleeing the scene, Elekwachi and his gang attempted to escape, 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 13, 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.
“The Imo State Police Command strongly refutes the baseless claims made by Mr. Chinonso Uba, which are intended to mislead the public and incite fear. The allegation that individuals have gone missing under the administration of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, 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.”