Police arrest six for using sick people to beg in Anambra

Six individuals have been arrested by the Anambra State Police Command for allegedly exploiting sick persons to solicit alms from the public. According to a statement released Thursday by the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were apprehended during a raid on an uncompleted building in Isu village, Oba, located in Idemili South Local Government Area. The operation, carried out on April 16 by a joint team of officers from the Oba Divisional Police Headquarters and local vigilante operatives, led to the arrest of Doris Basil (28), Peter Ezedike (38), Susan Monday (27), Ogechi Okoro (27), Solomon Sunday (29), and Kenneth Achi (29).

Authorities recovered six mobile phones and N82,400 in cash, mostly in small denominations. Four individuals, visibly suffering from serious medical conditions including brain tumors and breast cancer, were rescued from the scene. They are now in protective custody and receiving medical attention.



Ikenga stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, emphasized that the case may fall under Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code Act, which pertains to obtaining property by false pretenses—a felony punishable by up to three years in prison. The CP expressed concern over the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and has ordered the interrogation of the victims’ relatives to determine their involvement. The suspects will face prosecution upon the completion of investigations.

.