The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended six individuals accused of using sick people to solicit money from the public.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that the arrests were made at an abandoned building in Isu Village, located in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area.
According to Ikenga, officers from the Oba Divisional Police Headquarters, working in collaboration with local vigilante groups, conducted a raid on April 16 around 6:30 p.m., resulting in the arrest of the suspects. Items recovered from the scene included six mobile phones and a total sum of ₦82,400 in small denominations.
Four individuals believed to be suffering from serious health conditions—such as brain tumors, breast cancer, and other critical illnesses—were found at the location and were taken into protective custody. The police provided them with first aid and arranged for further medical attention, with plans to reunite them with their families.
The arrested suspects were identified as Doris Basil (28), Peter Ezedike (38), Susan Monday (27), Ogechi Okoro (27), Solomon Sunday (29), and Kenneth Achi (29).
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commented on the case, emphasizing that obtaining money under false pretenses violates Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which carries a possible prison term of three years.
He also expressed concern over the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for personal profit.
He directed investigators to question the families of the ailing individuals to determine whether they were involved in the act.
The suspects will face legal charges once the investigation is completed.