Police nab 25-year-old for vandalising Abia market shops

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Chigozirim Elem, for allegedly vandalizing government property and stealing iron doors from unallocated shops at the Ubani Government Market in Umuahia.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, Elem, who resides in Umuahia, allegedly gained unlawful access into four unallocated shops on July 11, 2026. He is accused of maliciously damaging the premises and stealing four double iron doors and one single iron door.

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In the command’s sustained effort to combat crime and protect public infrastructure, operatives of the Mike Okiro Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on actionable intelligence and in collaboration with the community vigilante, apprehended Chigozirim Elem, male, 25 years, who on 11th July 2026, unlawfully gained access into four (4) unallocated shops at Ubani Government Market and maliciously damaged and vandalized the premises and stole four (4) double doors and one (1) single iron door.

Operatives of the Mike Okiro Divisional Police Headquarters, acting on actionable intelligence and in collaboration with community vigilantes, apprehended Elem. Upon sighting the security operatives, the suspect attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended, and the stolen items were recovered.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a discreet investigation. The suspect will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigation. The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public assets and maintaining law and order, urging the public to report suspicious activities.

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Upon sighting security operatives, the suspect attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended. The stolen items were successfully recovered.