Four persons have been arrested by the police in Abia State for unlawful possession of firearms.

The suspects are Udodirim Nwandu, William Enoch, Ezeudoh Onyebuchi and Friday Onuoha.

The commissioner of police in the state, Mr. Chris Ezike, who confirmed the arrests, said the suspects were apprehended by policemen on patrol around Mbom Afrata Ibeku in Umuahia, the state capital.

He said one automatic English-made double-barrelled gun, three Dane guns and 19 cartridges were recovered from the suspects.

Ezike said the suspects claimed to be hunters, adding that they would need to explain why they were in possession of prohibited firearms or be charged to Court.

Also in the command’s custody are four suspected cult members, identified as Gabriel Ofordozie, 39; Lucky Nwoye, 27; Chukwudimma Mezeh, 30; and Abuchi Ezekwe, 30.

It was learnt that they were arrested following intelligence report received by police detectives attached to Ndiegoro Police Division in Aba. Six revolver pistols were said to have been recovered from the suspects.

The suspects however denied that they were members of any secret cults. They claimed that hardship forced them to become armed robbers.