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Adjumani, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Adjumani District are holding two suspects in custody for staging an illegal roadblock and extorting money from locals.
The suspects identified as Baguma George Ijjo, a 36-year-old, ring leader/bodaboda of Deri village and Bongomi Bara Rodgers, a 28-year-old, resident of Odraji village were arrested following the incident which occurred at Indriani village, Lewa Parish last week on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
The two were found in possession of motorcycle registration number Ug 0480Y for the Ministry of Gender and Labour according to Police Spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga.
Preliminary information available indicates that the suspects improvised a locally nail-made barrier for blocking the road and started targeting businessmen and charcoal dealers, transporting their goods from Zoka to Kampala, under the pretext of enforcing the ban on the transportation of charcoal.
“The gang was behind the illegal roadblocks and robberies in the area. The suspects include a youth leader, who was part of the extortionist conduct,” Mr Enanga said, adding that the locally nail-made barrier was also recovered as efforts get underway to trace several victims of torture by the group.
“We strongly believe the arrest of these criminals will help restore peace in the area and further urge the public especially transporters and dealers, to remain vigilant and always report such suspicious behaviour to the police.”