The police command in Imo says it has arrested nine suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in connection with the gruesome murder of five officers and a couple in the state.

It was widely reported that gunmen had stormed a check point and opened fire on the officers minutes after patrol vehicle had pulled up, killing five officers during the attack at Okpala community in Ngor-Okpala LGA, Imo state.

The attackers also killed a couple identified as Mr and Mrs Nwagu, owners of the restaurant where the officers were gunned down while eating.

Imo police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the suspects were apprehended at their hideout in Ezinihitte-Mbaise LGA on Thursday.

Okoye  said Obali Paul, a 70-year-old man identified as a herbalist, was also arrested. The herbalist is said to be the attackers’ chief priest.

“In the course of investigation, the suspects all confessed to be members of the dreaded IPOB/ESN syndicate terrorising the good people of Imo state and had a hand in the recent killing of five police officers and two civilians at Ngor-Okpala LGA.

“They also volunteered crucial information that assisted the operatives in raiding their second hideout in Itu, Ezinihitte-Mbaise LGA of Imo state which led to the arrest of another four suspected members of the proscribed separatist group.

“The  suspects are famous on the command’s wanted list due to their nefarious activities.

“On sighting the operatives of the police, the notorious criminal syndicates engaged them in a fierce gun duel but were overpowered by the superior fire power of the tactical squad which forced them to surrender all their weapons.”

According to state police spokesperson, the 70-year-old man is the “chief priest of the criminal gang.”