Man, 22, arrested in Abia for using lighter as gun in robberies

Authorities in Abia State, Nigeria, have apprehended a 22-year-old man accused of robbing members of the public with a deceptive weapon: a stainless lighter fashioned to resemble a pistol.

The suspect, identified as a native of Obinolu Ngodo Isiochi, was arrested on July 5, 2026, by operatives from the Isuochi Divisional Police Headquarters. The arrest followed actionable intelligence reports that indicated the man's modus operandi.

According to a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the suspect was known for habitually robbing unsuspecting individuals. By using the lighter-pistol, he instilled fear in his victims, enabling him to dispossess them of their belongings. Several other related items were recovered from his possession at the time of his arrest.

The Abia State Police Command has advised the public to remain vigilant and report any security concerns promptly to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency hotlines.

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The suspect is known to be habitually robbing unsuspecting members of the public using a stainless lighter designed to resemble a pistol, thereby instilling fear in his victims and dispossessing them of their belongings.