Police Rescue Wanted Robbery Suspect from Mob, Recover Stolen Pump-Action Gun in Enugu

From Paul Orude Bauchi

A suspected armed robber on the police wanted list in Enugu State was rescued from an angry mob after being caught with a pump-action gun at a local market square.

The suspect, identified as Friday Onwujekwu, also known as “Nwatico,” was apprehended by residents at Eke Market Square in Akiyi community, Umulokpa, in Uzo Uwani Local Government Area on Friday afternoon.

According to a situation report obtained on Sunday, the incident happened at about 3:30 p.m. on March 13, 2026, when police received a distress call that a man suspected to be an armed robber had been captured by members of the public and was being attacked.

Police sources revealed that Onwujekwu had earlier been declared wanted by the state police command for allegedly attacking a member of a local neighbourhood watch group and making away with his firearm.

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The incident reportedly occurred on January 10, 2026, when the suspect allegedly assaulted Okechukwu Dennis Okoaku at Awkunato Village in Uzo Uwani LGA and fled with his pump-action gun.

After remaining at large for several weeks, the suspect was reportedly spotted at the Eke Market Square still in possession of the stolen weapon, prompting residents to apprehend him.

“The suspect, who had been on the run since the incident, was caught at Eke Market Square in Akiyi Umulokpa with the same pump-action gun he allegedly stole. Before police arrived, an irate mob had already begun assaulting him,” a police source disclosed.

Following the alert, the Divisional Police Officer swiftly deployed a patrol team to the scene, where officers rescued the suspect from the mob. However, he had already sustained multiple injuries from the beating.

He was first taken to the Police Clinic in Enugu for emergency treatment but was later referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

Police authorities confirmed that the case has since been handed over to the Command’s Crack Squad in Enugu for further investigation.

Security sources added that the overall security situation in the state remains calm, with police intensifying patrols and surveillance across communities.