The Delta State Police Command has turned up the heat on criminals in the state, resulting in the apprehension of suspected kidnappers and cultists in the last two weeks.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bright Edafe, on March 12, 2024, detailing the arrests, it was reported that the developments and other anti-crime activities of the command followed the marching orders issued to officers and men to flush criminal elements out of the state.
Delta State Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda has warned residents, especially impressionable youths, against getting involved in criminal activities in the state as there would be dire consequences for those who fall foul of the law.
The CP has instructed officers of the command to spare no effort in bringing criminals to account for their actions.
Abaniwonda further stated that the command would remain resolute in its commitment to protecting the lives and properties of all Deltans.
Edafe said: “On October 31, 2023, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Orerokpe, CSP Paul Oboware, received a distress call about the kidnap of a resident (names withheld) by three gunmen. The kidnappers later contacted the family demanding N5 million ransom.
“On getting the report, the DPO mobilized resources and led detectives to the scene of the incident. They combed adjoining streets and bushes in search of hoodlums, and possibly to rescue the victim. The victim was later released after an undisclosed ransom was paid. Armed with available information, the DPO did not relent and has been on an intelligence-based investigation since the kidnap.
“The efforts of the command paid off when, on March 5, 2024, two suspects, namely, Peter Idogor, 24, and Emmanuel Sunday, 19, all of Evwreni, in Ughelli South LGA, were arrested. The suspects were linked to the kidnap, and the victim has identified the two.”
Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing to arrest the other members of the gang, the statement said.
In a related development, on March 6, 2024, operatives of the CP Decoy Squad, acting on credible intelligence about cult activities, stormed a hotel in the vicinity of Federal College Junction, Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the police, the cultists immediately took to their heels, dispersing in different directions, but four of the suspects who were hiding inside the ceiling were arrested.
The PPRO stated that the suspects, all male residents of Asaba, include the following: Chigozie Edwin, a 28 years old native of Akpuoga village in Ujodo LGA of Enugu State; James Prince Chukwuebuka, 20, native of Effiom, in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State; Harmony Mkemjika Ohanebum, 30, native of Okija in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State; and Garba Jubril, a 27 years old native of Kogmbotō LGA, Kano State.
“Following the arrest of the suspects, a thorough search was conducted, and two Beretta pistols with two rounds of live ammunition and a locally made cut-to-size gun with one live cartridge were recovered from the ceiling. A manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.”
All suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
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