The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man, Ugochukwu Precious, over alleged phone fraud, violent threats and unlawful possession of a firearm. Precious, a resident of Umuohia, Ogbor Hill, Aba, was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad following a complaint over an allegedly unpaid iPhone 17 Pro Max. 

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the command received the complaint on September 22, 2026. She said Precious allegedly obtained the phone through a payment-on-delivery arrangement in April but failed to pay for it. The matter reportedly escalated after the suspect allegedly threatened the seller and engaged thugs to intimidate him.

The police said operatives apprehended Precious based on actionable intelligence and that he made statements during interrogation that the command said affirmed the allegations. A pump-action shotgun was subsequently recovered from him on September 23, a day after his arrest.

The command said investigations are continuing, while efforts are underway to arrest other alleged members of the suspect’s gang who remain at large. Precious is expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of the investigation. The Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Afolabi, urged residents to remain law-abiding and provide useful information to the police.