The Nigeria Police, Owerri North Division, on Thursday, April 16, 2026, arraigned a suspect, Ogochukwu Ajah, from Ebonyi State, in court for alleged possession of a bag of marijuana, commonly referred to as Indian hemp or “Igbo” in local parlance.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended on the night of Friday, April 9, 2026, by local vigilante operatives in Emekuku at about 2:00 a.m. He claimed to be returning from a wake-keeping event when the security personnel stopped him and questioned the contents in his bag.
According to reports, Ajah attempted to flee upon sensing danger but was overpowered by the vigilantes, who are on ground and serving the community diligently. Ajah is also envisioned to be among the major dealers of the said illicit drug that supplies such to dissident youths in the community and its environs.
He was subsequently handed over to the police at the Owerri North Divisional Headquarters. Speaking on the incident, the traditional ruler, HRM Eze Obi Ejeshi, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the local security operatives. He noted that they promptly informed him after the arrest and sought his approval before transferring the suspect to the police.
The monarch expressed satisfaction with the performance of the vigilante group, stating that since their inauguration by the administration of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, following a brief period of police training, the community has experienced improved peace and security. His Majesty therefore warned those involved in illicit drugs, cultism and other vices in the community to desist henceforth or face the full wrath of the law as the eagle eye of Emekuku vigilante is apt and active always.
He further appreciated the state government for the provision of modern security gadgets/equipments to all community vigilantes in the state to fight crimes.
During his court appearance, Ajah reportedly told correspondents that he ventured into the illegal trade a few years ago after undergoing hernia surgery and struggling to settle medical bills.
He explained that a friend introduced him to the business when he became financially stranded, leading him to relocate to Owerri in January 2025.
By Fredrick Njoku