Big Catch!! 72 Suspects Arrested Over Alleged Heinous Crimes Paraded In Delta

BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
DELTA STATE COMMAND, CP ARI MOHAMMED ALI, FCIA, psc,
ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS MADE BY DELTA STATE COMMAND
FROM MARCH 2021 TO DATE

It is with great pleasure that I address you today on the achievements made by the Command within the period under review. My primary assignment which is to provide adequate security for the good people of Delta State and to ensure Delta state is safe for all. Although, the challenges are obviously enormous but they are nevertheless surmountable.

After the major stake holders meeting between the herders and farmers in the state sometime in February, you must have notice that the herders/farmers crisis in the state has dropped significantly. That is as a result of the proactive system of policing in the state.
I have also gone on familiarization tour to sister agencies within the state, to build on the already existing relation between the police and other security agencies, and that inter-agency relationship is vital in bringing peace and safety to the state. Realizing the fact that the police cannot do it alone inline with the principles of community policing.

In compliance with the State Government covid-19 imposed curfew in the state from 0000hrs – 0400 hrs, to stop the further spread of the covid-19 pandemic, raid/restriction of movement are been carried out by the Command on daily basis and suspects arrested are being charged to mobile court set by the state government. The command is aware of the danger of the covid-19 pandemic and will sustain its effort to ensure that there is no further spread of the covid-19 virus in the state.

The successes recorded by the Command within the period under review, is due to re-enforced/pro-active anti-crime strategies in the enforcement of law and order without infringing on the rights of citizens to ensure that we have a more-friendly and result-oriented policing.

Continuous press briefing is a major way of informing the public on the activities of the Command and efforts being made to ensure a peaceful and safer Delta State.

The following are some of the major achievements made within this period.

1.ARREST OF KIDNAPPERS/RECOVERY OF TWO AK47 RIFLES/ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN ROUNDS OF 7.62MM AMMUNITION AMMUNITIONS AND SIX MAGAZINES.

While acting on available intelligence, A team of Special Anti Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKCCS) Operatives arrested one Akpos James A.K.A General ‘m’ age 30yrs of Ekeremor LGA in Bayelsa State. Suspect was arrested in connection to the killing of police men in an eatery in Ughelli on the 10/1/2021 and carting away their rifles with several kidnapping, armed robbery, within Abraka, Ughelli and Sapele environs. Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crimes. On 30/4/21 at about 0240hrs same SAKCCS team trailed and stormed the gangs hideout at Patani water side Delta state, they were engaged in a gun duel, but owing to the superior fire power of the police, members of the gang escaped with various degree of gunshot injuries into the River. Two AK47 Rifles with one hundred and fourteen rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition with six magazines were recovered. Manhunt or the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

2.ARREST OF MURDER SUSPECTS WHO ALEGEDLY MURDERED ONE FRANKLINE TEKERE THE PRINCE OF UDU AND HIS POLICE ESCORT:

As a follow up to the case of robbery/murder in Warri on 3/4/2021 of one Eric Tekere, his police escort and the attempted murder of Frankline Tekere. Based on intelligence gathered, concerted effort from the Police and military led to the arrest of one Augustine Osiebe ‘m’ 33yrs, Ovie Makaji ‘m’ 35yrs, Wisdom Micheal ‘m’ 27yrs, and Jonathan Tuoyo ‘m’ 27yrs. The suspects were arrested on 14/4/2021, 18/4/2021 and 20/42021 respectively in Warri. Suspects confessed to the crime and other crimes which includes bank robbery at Udu Micro-Finance bank. Based on their confession, on the 1/5/2021 behind NTA Asaba, the trio of one Ogboru Glory ‘m’ age 29yrs, Peremobower Omoni ‘m’ age 31yrs and Imoniwvie Sunday ‘m’ age 21yrs were arrested. Ogboru Glory happens to be the gang leader who procure and supply arms to the gang. On 2/5/2021 the gang leader gboru Glory led team of SAKCCS operatives to Abraka and arrested one Caleb Oghenetega ‘m’ a.k.a K2 Age 22yrs. Exhibits recovered include one (1) Pump Action gun, one (1) English double Barrel gun, one cut-to-size single barrel gun, three (3) locally made pistol and twenty seven (27) live cartridges. Manhunt for the other members of the gang is ongoing.

3.DISCOVERY OF ILLEGAL ALCOHOLIC WINE FACTORY/ARREST OF FAKE WINE PRODUCER:

on 16/4/21 at about 2030hrs The Delta state command anti-cult unit after due intelligence gathering, embarked on a sting operation in conjunction with civilian anti-cult volunteer corps and arrested one kenneth Ajie ‘m’ of Amadaga village and also uncover an illegal factory where fake alcoholic wine is being produced at Ovwia in Udu local government area of Delta State. The suspect who produces these fake wines in his house, operate without any license or NAFDAC Approval. According to the suspect, he sells the wine for the sum of three hundred naira (#300) per bottle and three thousand, six hundred naira (#3,600) per carton. He confessed that he bottles the wine himself, he uses bottles that have already been used and disposed, he buys these bottles at Ten naira (#10.00) each, and he also buys the cork from open market. He claims he washes the bottles himself, cork the wines himself, and sells to members of the public. He works alone and produces about one to three cartons per day. Exhibits recovered include bottles of the drinks suspected to be fake alcoholic wine. Case is still under investigation

4.RECOVERY OF ARM/AMMUNITION:

On the 03/03/2021 operative of the Delta state command Rapid response squad (RRS) while acting on a tip off that some group of young men suspected to be armed robbers/kidnappers were sighted opposite Road Safety Asaba, they were quickly mobilized to the scene. The hoodlums on sighting the police operatives opened fire at them during exchange of fire, one of them suffered bullet wound and was arrested with an AK Rifle Breech No. 19567 Double Magazines with Eighteen 7.62mm Live ammunition others escaped, the injured one gave up the ghost while on the way to hospital, corpse deposited at FMC mortuary. Effort is on to arrest those that escaped. Case under investigation.

5.RECOVERY OF TWO LOCALLY MADE GUNS/ LIVE AMMUNITION AND CARTRIDGES

On the 20/03/2021 at about 1545hrs, RRS operatives while on patrol along Hard Rock Hotel Achalla-Ibusa, sighted three young men around the bush near the road, in trying to approach them to know their mission, they took to their heels into the bush, after a hot chase they threw away a small bag in their possession, upon search one (1) Locally Made Revolver Pistol loaded with four 7.62mm Live Ammunition, one (1) Locally Made Pistol with five (5) live cartridges were recovered while manhunt for the fleeing hoodlums is ongoing.

6.ARREST OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL DRUGS SELLER/RECOVERY OF ILLICIT DRUGS

On the 27/03/2021 at about 0815hrs, RRS operatives, while acting on a tip off stormed one of the black spot behind Ibori Golf Asaba and arrested the following Sunday Nwankwo ‘m’ age 22yrs, and Endurance Okwute ‘m’ age 19yrs all of behind Ibori Golf Asaba, their house was searched and sizeable quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, some quantity of drugs suspected to be cocaine and other illicit drugs were recovered. Case under investigation.

7.RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY MADE SINGLE BARREL GUN LOADED WITH ONE AMMUNITION /RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLE.

On 28/04/2021 at about 0120hrs Men of ‘A’ Division Warri received a distress call from one of the police constabulary attached to ‘B’ division Warri that four suspected armed robbery gang in a Toyota camry (pencil light) were operating at ubor axis in Warri, The DPO A Division Warri mobilized and led anti-crime patrol team in search of the hoodlums. They were later sighted between ogwangwe and NPA. The police engaged them in a hot chase to Iyara; the hoodlums eventually abandoned the Toyota Camry Reg no. TE845 AAA, The Vehicle happens to be the same vehicle that was stolen at Ekuremu Street in Warri on 22ND April 2021 belonging to a renowned journalist Felix Ekwu. One locally made single barrel loaded one live cartridge was recovered from the vehicle, Manhunt for the suspects is ongoing.

No. Delta PTN 152 PIN from one of his gang members who upon sighting the operatives ran and abandoned the vehicle, other members are being trailed for possible arrest and recovery of more vehicles. Case under investigation.

8.RECOVERY OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION:

On the 21/4/2021 at about, 1835hrs, information was received that suspected armed men were seen in the bush along Illah road. The RRS operatives led by the Commander rushed to the scene on sighting the operatives they fired pump action gun and ran into the bush, after a hot chase they threw the sack bag they were carrying two (2) pump action guns with live cartridges were recovered. One of the suspect jumped into the river with bullet wound while others escaped upon search of the sack bag one G3 Rifle with eleven (11) rounds live ammunition were recovered. Effort is on to arrest the fleeing suspect.

9.ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS RECOVERY OF LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE GUN/ONE VENZA CAR WITH REG. NO: AKD 90 GG:

On 24/4/2021 at about 1500hrs, acting on information from a reliable source that suspected cultist are causing pandemonium in Ibusa community, this prompted SACU detectives to the scene. Seven suspects belonging to Supreme Vikings Confraternity alias Aro-bagger were arrested. They are Friday Akorah ‘M’ Age 25yrs, AkorahChiemerie ‘M’ age 24yrs, Ekene Okonji ‘M’ age 25yrs, Chimejonah Daniel ‘M’ age 24yrs, Ifeanyi Emma ‘M’ age 24yrs, MeloimOgolie ‘m’ age 29yrs, Adim Ogoli ‘M’ age 28yrs. One cut-to- size single barrel gun recovered from the suspect. Case under investigation.

10.ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTIST/RECOVERY OF LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE DOUBLE BARREL SHOT GUN WITH TWO LIVE CARTRIDGES AND ONE EMPTY CARTRIDGE.

On 8/3/2021 at about 0800hrs, one Chukwuemeka Onyekeogbeyensor ‘m’ age 31yrs of Agbor Obi was arrested by Agbor Youth security outfit, handed over to Agbor Police Divisional headquarters and was later transferred to SACU for further investigation alongside with exhibit. Suspect confessed to be a member of Aro-bagger confraternity. Case under investigation.
11.RESCUE OF A KIDNAP VICTIM:- Sequel to the kidnap of one Williams Aduenwomah ‘m’ aged 57yrs who was kidnapped on 27/03/2021, investigation commenced almost immediately, and after series of technical intelligence, the kidnappers and victim were traced to Aradhe bush, On 29/03/2021 at about 2100hrs, the Division Police officer Ozoro led patrol teams in conjunction with the vigilante group to Aradhe bush where they police engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, subsequently due to the superior fire power of the police, they abandoned the victim and ran into the bush, the victim was thereafter rescued.

12.RESCUE OF SIX(6) KIDNAPPED VICTIMS

On 03/04/2021 at about 1945hrs information from impeccable sources revealed that passengers of a Sienna Vehicle with Registration No. BWR 301 SU were been attacked by hoodlums numbering six armed with Ak 47 at Okutolo Warri Sapele road. On receipt of the report, police operatives in conjunction with Dragon Patrols, Military personnel and vigilante groups were mobilized to the scene, the hoodlums on sighting the police fled immediately. The injured person that was shot by the kidnappers was taken to the hospital for treatment, while the teams entered deep into the forest in search of the kidnappers with a view to arresting them and rescuing the victims. Through concerted efforts of the teams, the hoodlums eventually abandoned the victims, six kidnapped victims namely Edoma Rita , Evelyn Chinwekwe ‘f’, Believe Omoruyi ‘m’, Linus Kojo ‘m’, Idolo Christian ‘f’ and Ojemudia Esther ‘f were rescued unhurt. While manhunt for the suspects is still ongoing.

13.ARREST OF KIDNAPPERS/RECUE OF KIDNAPPED VICTIM

On the 24/4/2021 at about 1000hrs, complaint was received by ‘A’ Division Warri that on the 23/4/2021 at about 2100hrs while the complainant was with her boyfriend one Peter Okologo ‘m’ 26yrs a resident of Nigercat Ekpan in Uvwie LGA, one Ejiro John 25yrs of Ogbori Community Warri led a group of armed men some of them were alleged to be on military uniform with guns and other weapons. They stormed their house and whisk away her boyfriend after firing gunshots they took him to an unknown destination. Based on the strength of the report, the police mobilized a Rapid Respond Team from the Division and swung into action immediately and arrested another suspect one Kingsley Omagbemi ‘m’, age 25yrs, both of them were the ones who led the kidnapper to victim’s house where he was kidnapped. After thorough investigation and interrogation the two suspects led the police team to Sapele where men were mobilized in a joint operation with men of Sapele division that led to the arrest of one David Isaac Mojo who has already demanded the sum of eleven million (N11,000,000.00) as ransom and he was arrested as he came out for the ransom while one Alason surname unknown escaped with a black Toyota Camry Reg. number unknown and the victim was rescued. Investigation is in progress with a view to arrest the other fleeing members of the gang.

14.ARREST OF FORTY (40) SUSPECTED CULTIST/RECOVERY OF A REVOLVER PISTOL AND OTHER FIRE ARMS

On the 23/4/2021 at about 2130hrs, based on intelligence gathered over a period of time by the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) revealed that Aiye confraternity will be carrying out initiation at Ubulu-Unor bush in Aniocha South LGA Delta State, the Commander SACU mobilized operatives to the scene and arrested forty (40) males suspected cultists, when the Police got to the venue of the initiation some armed men who claimed to be Ubulu-Unor Vigilante were seen keeping watch and aiding the said cultists to carry out their initiation they were also arrested. Exhibits recovered includes: a Revolver Pistol with eleven (11) live ammunition, one (1) locally made single barrel gun, one (1) pump action, eight (8) vehicles and one (1) Mitsubishi pickup with the inscription of Ubulu-Unor Vigilante. Investigation is ongoing.

15.CASE OF DEFILEMENT/ARREST OF SUSPECT:

On 6th April, 2021, one Evelyn Atabe alleged that on 4th April, 2021 she noticed that her daughter (name withheld) pant was wet. That she confronted her daughter who happens to be 8 years who disclosed to her that a boy known to her as Jaga-Jaga had sex with her. The suspect one Godspower Okpeshaga ‘m’ was arrested, case is under investigation.

16.ARREST OF ARMED ROBBERY/RAPE SUSPECT:

On 19/03/2021 at about 2100hrs, patrol team in collaboration with Nigeria Army in Oghara arrested one Ovie Michael ‘m’ age 36yrs of Tipper junction Ogherefe, an okada rider who specialized in picking young girls at night as passengers and diverting them into the bush, rob them of their belonging such as phones, bags etc and as well forcefully have carnal knowledge of them with the use of dagger. When the suspect was eventually arrested, one of his victims (name withheld) phone and other items belonging to the victim was recovered from him. Exhibit recovered from him included eighteen (18) sim cards, different phones, torch light, three UBA ATMS and other items. Case is under investigation.

17.HABOURING\AIDING THE ESCAPE OF KIDNAP SUSPECTS/RUNNING A BROTHEL:

Sequel to the rescue of two kidnapped victims earlier reported, information was received that some of the kidnap suspects were seen at white ground hotel Oghara. Consequently, on 19/4/21 at about 1230hors, the hotel was raided by combined teams of police and army assisted by vigilante members and anti-cult group. However, the owner of the Hotel obstructed the operatives from performing their duty, thereby causing the kidnap suspects to escape through the fence, and he subsequently escaped. His unregistered lexus car was towed to the station, while a total of thirteen (13) female suspected prostitutes and one male suspect were arrested. The conduct of the owner of the hotel was reported to the local government chairman who also visited the scene. Meanwhile, The hotel has been shut down. This should serve as a deterrent to other hotel owners who are harboring or aiding criminals, and also to let them know that Delta state will be too hot for them.

18.RESCUE OF A ROBBERY/KIDNAPPED VICTIM AND RECOVERY OF VICTIM’S VEHICLE :

On 10/4/2021 at about 0025hrs, a distress call of an attempted robbery/kidnap at Usiefurun community by rail way bridge of ughelli south LGA was received. Men of eagle net special squad was immediately deployed to the scene, on sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire, which was returned by the police, the unrelenting effort by the police and superior firepower made the hoodlums to abandon the victim and escape to a nearby bush with bullet injuries, the Victim one James Emmanuel ‘m’ was rescued and his Toyota Venza jeep with REG NO. GBJ 456 FD was recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

19.FOILED BANK ROBBERY/RECOVERY OF ARMS/LIVE CARTRIDGES/RECOVERY OF SNATCHED VEHICLE:

On 27/4/21 at about 2436hours, sequel to the manhunt of some suspects who have been terrorizing the command, intelligence on the syndicate revealed that they are planning to rob one of the new generation bank, A team of eagle net special squad was immediately detailed on a sting operation which led to the arrest of the notorious gang leader one Joshua Ogheneovo ‘m’ age 32yrs of Udophori town Patani L.G.A, Exhibit recovered includes one double barrel automatic pump action gun, twenty-six rounds of live cartridges, a grey Toyota Highlander jeep with REG. NO DSZ 348 KM which the suspects also confessed to have stolen at gun point from the owner. Investigation is ongoing.

20.ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS/RECOVERY OF TWO ENGLISH MADE BARETTA PISTOLS WITH LIVE AMMUNITIONS:

On the 24/3/2021 at about 0215hrs, after intelligence gathering by men of Eagle-net special squad in synergy with civilian anti-cult stormed a notorious criminal hideout in Oghor community in UDU LGA, the hoodlums on sighting the police engaged the police in a gun duel, but was over powered by the police, Eleven (11) suspects were arrested. Two (2) English made Beretta pistol with three rounds of live 9mm ammunition was recovered from the suspects. Investigation is ongoing.

21.RECOVERY OF G3 RIFLE:

On 15/3/2021, as follow up to an earlier intelligence gathered and monitored over a period of time, men of a Division Warri led by the DPO stormed a criminal hideout in an uncompleted building at Warri – Sapele road opp Wema bank, and recovered one G3 Riffle breech no. ET77645 with fifteen rounds of live ammunition. The riffle is suspected to have been hidden by men of the underworld to aid their nefarious activities, surveillance and monitoring is ongoing.

22.CASE OF FRAUDULENT CONVERSION/STEALING:

On the 23/4/21, one Mr Ogbemudia George, the executive officer of great wall exchange reported a case of fraudulent conversion of fund and stealing, it was discovered that some persons had hacked the company account and transferred the sum of seventy eight million, eight hundred and fifty two thousand, eight hundred and eighty-one naira (#78,852,881) to various banks accounts. The act was allegedly perpetrated by some persons later identified as Chiejina Harry, Adolf Dave, Jeremiah Idaji, Aisosa Destiny, Akeni Ogheneyole, Gift surname unknown and fourteen others (at large), they allegedly hacked and transferred the said money into three different bank accounts in various banks. The Police commenced investigation immediately. After series of technical intelligence gathering, five suspects were arrested in various places in Abuja, Lagos and Warri Delta state, While one Chiejina Harry was later arrested in Edo state in a hotel where he was hiding. He is alleged to be the one who is responsible for disbursing the diverted funds. Investigation is ongoing.

23.ARREST OF AN ARMED ROBBER WHO ALSO SPECIALIZES IN STEALING MOTOR-CYCLE:

On the 20/4/21, at about 1930 hours, one suspect Ossai Bright ‘m’ aged 21yrs suspected to be a member of notorious gang who specializes in stealing motorcycle was arrested along Adege street opposite Ndokwa west local government council, and one locally made cut to size gun was recovered from him. Upon further investigation, the suspect led a team of police men to the hideout of other members of the gang where Godspower obi ‘m’ age 21yrs and Joshua Dibieagwu ‘m’ aged 19yrs, and the receiver Ebere Pius ‘f’ who always sells motorcycle stolen by the suspects was later arrested. Investigation is ongoing.

24.ARREST OF A THREE MAN ROBBERY GANG WHO SPECLIZES IN STEALING VEHICLE:

On 29/4/21 at about 1335hrs, patrol team of police men attached to 31pmf while on stop and search duty along Abraka and Eku axis, intercepted a tinted Toyota camry with reg no. LKJ 52AW Gold in colour, driven by one Seidu Mohammed ‘m’ age 27yrs of oworo estate lokoja in Koji state with one Samuel Daniel ‘m’ age 28yrs and Yusuf Mekudu ‘m’ age 28yrs all of same Oworo estate. They could not give a satisfactory account of themselves and how they got the vehicle, they were arrested and taken top Abraka police station. On investigation and interrogation, they confessed that they stole the car on 28/4/21 at about 1230hiurs from where it was parked in international market Lokoja, Kogi state, And were bringing to Delta State to sell it. Investigation is ongoing with a view to arresting their accomplices.

CONCLUSION: Divisional police officers, Tactical commanders, officers and men of the command have been encouraged to maintain and sustain the tempo in the fight against criminals in the state. While assuring Delta residents of adequate security, I wish to use this medium to solicit for their continuous understanding, support and cooperation with the State Government and Police Authorities in the fight against crime and criminality.
Thank you all

CP ARI MUHAMMED ALI, FCIA, psc+,
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
DELTA STATE COMMAND
ASABA.