Abia police arrest 28-year-old over alleged phone fraud and firearm possession

The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man over alleged violent criminal activity, an unpaid mobile phone and unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the command’s spokesperson. The suspect, identified as Ugochukwu Precious, is a resident of Umuohia in Ogbor Hill, Aba. He was arrested by officers of the Rapid Response Squad in Aba North after a complaint concerning an iPhone 17 Pro Max obtained through a payment-on-delivery arrangement.

Police Public Relations Officer DSP Maureen Chinaka said the complaint was received on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. She said the suspect allegedly collected the phone in April but did not pay for it. According to Chinaka, the dispute escalated when the suspect allegedly threatened the seller and engaged other people to intimidate him.

The police said Precious made statements during questioning that they described as confessional, although the supplied material does not give further details of those statements. The command said intelligence gathered during the investigation led officers to the suspect and that a pump-action shotgun was recovered from him on Wednesday, September 23. Police said efforts were continuing to arrest other alleged members of the suspect’s group who remained at large.

The command said Precious would be charged in court after investigators completed their work. Commissioner of Police Wilfred Afolabi urged residents to obey the law and provide timely information that could help prevent crime. The supplied account contains no response from the suspect or details of any court proceedings.