Cement Heist Busted: Anambra Police Arrest Two Suspects Operating in Four States

Anambra State Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspected fraudsters involved in the diversion and illegal conversion of cement shipments across Anambra, Edo, Rivers, and Delta States.

The suspects, identified as Mr. Mmaduabuchi Udo and Mr. Abubakar Babangida, were apprehended by operatives of the CP Monitoring Unit on June 23, 2025, in Abuja, following an intelligence-led investigation.

In a statement released on Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat economic and cyber-related crimes in the region.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects specialized in exploiting social media platforms to profile cement dealers, extracting sensitive operational information from unsuspecting victims. They allegedly used this information to facilitate the diversion of cement consignments intended for legitimate businesses.

SP Ikenga Tochukwu said that this arrest highlights the importance of exercising caution when sharing business-related information online, particularly on social media platforms, which continue to be exploited by criminal syndicates.

The spokesperson further stated that the suspects are currently cooperating with investigators and have provided valuable information that is aiding efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.

According to the police, once the investigation is complete, the suspects will be formally arraigned in court.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command CP Ikioye Orutugu, has reassured the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and economic interests within the state.

He also urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities promptly to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency contact lines.