The Abia State Police Command has arrested a 28-year-old man for alleged cultism, threat to life and unlawful possession of firearms in connection with an iPhone 17 Pro Max fraud.

The suspect, Ugochukwu Precious, of Umuohia, Ogbor Hill, Aba, was apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Aba North, the command said in a Friday statement.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Maureen Chinaka, the arrest followed a report that the suspect obtained an iPhone 17 Pro Max under the guise of payment on delivery since April 2026 but failed to pay.

“The matter escalated as the suspect allegedly resorted to the use of thugs and threats against the seller,” the statement reads in part.

Chinaka said leveraging actionable intelligence, RRS operatives apprehended the suspect who has made confessional statements affirming the allegations.

She disclosed that a pump-action shotgun was subsequently recovered from him on September 23.

The police spokesperson said investigation is ongoing and efforts are in place to apprehend other fleeing members of his gang, adding that the suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating cultism, violent crimes, and illegal possession of firearms, and urged members of the public to volunteer timely and useful information to the police. (The Sun)