Police Arrest 24-Year-Old Over Catholic Parish House Burglary in Anambra, Recover iPhone 16, Cash

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 24-year-old man, identified as Chidubem Anyigo, over the alleged burglary of a Catholic parish house and theft of valuables belonging to a Reverend Father. The suspect was arrested on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Relief Market by operatives of the Okpoko Police Division, working alongside members of the Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG). The incident reportedly occurred at St. Hilary Parish House, Owelle-Aja, Awada, Obosi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday. He explained that the operation followed intelligence gathering and cooperation between police officers and community security personnel. According to the command, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly broke into the parish residence and stole valuable items belonging to the priest. The recovered property included an iPhone 16 Plus and ₦150,070 in cash.

Ikenga further stated that the suspect made statements during interrogation that would assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident. He also confirmed that the victim had been contacted and positively identified the recovered belongings. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the officers and members of the vigilante group for their prompt response, intelligence gathering and cooperation, which led to the arrest and recovery of the stolen property.

The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with community-based security organisations and other stakeholders to combat criminal activities across Anambra State. He also emphasised the importance of intelligence-led policing in protecting lives and property. Meanwhile, the police confirmed that investigations into the burglary were ongoing, with further action expected as officers work to establish all the circumstances surrounding the incident.