Abia Police: Ugochukwu Precious Arrested In Abia Phone Fraud, Gun Case

• Ugochukwu Precious, 28, was arrested in Abia State by the Rapid Response Squad, Aba North, for alleged violent criminal activities.
• The initial complaint, filed on September 22, 2026, concerned alleged payment fraud for an iPhone 17 Pro Max obtained in April 2026, which escalated with threats and thugs.
• Following his arrest, Precious made confessional statements, and a pump-action shotgun was recovered from him on September 23, leading to an unlawful firearm possession charge.
• DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of CP Wilfred Afolabi, confirmed the arrest and ongoing efforts to apprehend other alleged gang members.
• Precious will face criminal charges in court upon the conclusion of the police investigation.

The investigation quickly broadened beyond the initial phone fraud complaint, leading to a significant discovery: a pump-action shotgun was recovered from the suspect on Wednesday, September 23, adding a serious charge of unlawful firearm possession Abia to the ongoing investigation.

Operatives from the Abia State Police Command have apprehended a 28-year-old man, Ugochukwu Precious, residing in Umuohia, Ogbor Hill, Aba, in connection with alleged violent criminal activities and the unlawful possession of a firearm. The initial complaint that led to the arrest involved an alleged payment fraud concerning an iPhone 17 Pro Max. According to reports, Precious obtained the high-end device through a payment-on-delivery arrangement in April but subsequently failed to remit payment.

The matter escalated significantly after the initial transaction. The seller reportedly faced intimidation, with Precious allegedly resorting to threats and engaging thugs to pressure the individual. This complaint was officially lodged with the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Aba North on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, prompting law enforcement action.

Acting on actionable intelligence, the Abia State Police Rapid Response Squad moved to apprehend Ugochukwu Precious. Following his arrest, Precious reportedly provided confessional statements that affirmed the allegations against him. The investigation quickly broadened beyond the initial phone fraud complaint, leading to a significant discovery: a pump-action shotgun was recovered from the suspect on Wednesday, September 23, adding a serious charge of unlawful firearm possession Abia to the ongoing investigation.

This development was disclosed by DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer, in a statement issued on Friday. Her statement was made on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, highlighting the command's commitment to addressing such criminal activities.

The Abia State Police Command has indicated that the investigation into Ugochukwu Precious's alleged activities is still active and comprehensive. Authorities are currently working to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to be part of Precious's alleged gang, who remain at large. The command emphasized that all necessary procedures are being followed to ensure a thorough inquiry.

Upon the conclusion of these investigations, Ugochukwu Precious will face criminal charges Aba Nigeria in court. This legal action will address both the alleged iPhone 17 Pro Max payment fraud Nigeria and the serious offense of unlawful firearm possession. The CP Wilfred Afolabi statement Abia underscored the police's determination to bring all involved parties to justice.

In light of the arrest and ongoing efforts, CP Wilfred Afolabi, the Commissioner of Police for Abia State Command, issued a public appeal. He urged all residents to maintain law-abiding conduct and to actively support the police by providing timely and valuable information. Such community cooperation is deemed crucial for preventing criminal activities and enhancing public safety across the state.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the police's vigilance against both financial fraud and the proliferation of illegal weapons, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public.

This article reports on a specific criminal arrest and ongoing investigation in Abia State. While not introducing new legal principles, it provides a factual update on law enforcement's response to fraud and illegal firearm possession, which could be relevant for criminal defense practitioners tracking local cases or for general awareness of police operations in the region.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers