A former Special Adviser on Motor parks, Orlu zone, to the ex-Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, Elias Igboayaka Dikeigbo, has been arrested for alleged kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.

The suspect was arrested by the State police command during the weekend after the confession of some of his gang members who local vigilantes had earlier arrested in his Umuna community.

Some of the gang members, according to Sahara Reporters, identified Elias as their leader.

Igboayaka is said to own properties suspected to have been acquired through proceeds from illegal and criminal activities.

The source said, “Elias who serves as the Community Youth leader of his town has been named in several criminal activities in Orlu and its environs, and has been on the police wanted list over a series of armed robbery operations.

“People are jubilating and appreciating both the vigilantes and the police for a job well done, even as they appealed to the authorities not to release the suspect back to society as has been the case in his several arrests in the past.”

Confirming the arrest on Sunday, the public relations officer of the state police command, Henry Okoye, said Elias’ case had been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.