Police Arrest Suspected Vandal for Stealing Government Property in Abia.

Police Arrest Suspected Vandal for Stealing Government Property in Abia.

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

The suspect, an indigene of Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and resident at Ugwunchara in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, was apprehended by operatives of the Mike Okiro Divisional Police Headquarters.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, the arrest followed actionable intelligence received by the police, who worked in collaboration with members of the community vigilante.

The statement disclosed that on July 11, 2026, the suspect unlawfully gained access to four unallocated shops at the Ubani Government Market, where he allegedly maliciously damaged the premises and removed four double iron doors and one single iron door.

Police said the suspect attempted to escape upon sighting security operatives but was swiftly arrested, while the stolen items were recovered.

The Command added that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation, noting that the suspect would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting public infrastructure and maintaining law and order, the Abia State Police Command urged residents to continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the nearest police station or the Command’s emergency hotlines.

The statement stressed that sustained collaboration between the police and members of the public remains crucial in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the state.