CITIZENS COMPASS —Police in Delta State have arrested four suspected cultists/armed robbers and two kidnappers at different locations in the State.
Disclosing this in a statement on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, spokesman for the Command, Bright Edafe, explained thus; “On 31/10/2023 at about 2217hrs, the DPO Orerokpe CSP Paul Oboware received a distress call about a suspected kidnap of one man (name withheld) by three armed men.
“The kidnappers later contacted the family demanding Five Million Naira ransom. Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) 
swiftly mobilized and led detectives to the scene of the incident, combed all adjoining streets and bushes in search of hoodlums, and to possibly 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 date of the incident.
“The effort of the Command paid off when on 05/03/2024 at about 1700hrs, with the aid of a technically generated intelligence-led investigation, two male suspects namely Peter Idogor, age 24yrs, and Emmanuel Sunday age 19yrs all of Evwreni Community in Ughelli South were arrested. These suspects were linked to the kidnap of the victim, and the victim has identified the two suspects. “Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing as effort is being intensified to arrest the other fleeing gang members.”
Similarly, he said, “ On 6/3/2024 at about 2330hrs, operatives of CP – DECOY Squad while acting on credible intelligence about cultist activities, stormed one hotel (name withheld) by Federal College Junction, Asaba.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the cultists immediately took to their heels, dispersing towards different directions but were given a relentless chase by the operatives, during which four of the suspected cultists who were hiding inside the ceiling, were arrested.
“The suspects, all male residents of Asaba, Delta State, include the following: Chigozie Edwin, a 28yrs native of Akpuoga Village in Ujodo LGA of Enugu State; James Prince Chukwuebuka, a 20yrs native of Effiom Village in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State; Harmony Mkemjika Ohanebum, a 30yrs native of Okija Town in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State; and Garba Jubril, a 27yrs native of Kogmbotō LGA, Kano State. Following the arrest of these suspects, a thorough search was conducted, and two Barretta Pistols with two rounds of Live Ammunition, a locally made cut-to-size Gun with one live cartridge, and a were recovered from the ceiling. Manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.
“In light of these achievements, the Police Commissioner, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda warns that engaging in any sort of criminal activities in Delta State has dire consequences, as he has unequivocally instructed officers of the command to spare no effort in bringing criminals to account for their actions. He further stated that the command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the lives and properties of all Deltans.”
