The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its sustained war against crime, with the arrest of multiple syndicates of suspected fraudsters, armed robbers, and receivers of stolen goods operating across the state and beyond.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that operatives of the CP’s Special Assignment Team arrested no fewer than eight suspected robbers and fraudsters between August 11 and 16, following weeks of intelligence-led operations.
The suspects, identified as Ibrukoko (32, Ovu, Ethiope East LGA), Obruche Actor (31, Emede, Isoko South LGA), Lucky Umukoro (28, Eku, Ethiope East LGA), Emmanuel Buruutu (22, Agbarho, Burutu LGA), Musa Abdulahi (27, Kafanchan, Kaduna State), Sokoh (30, Ovwian, Udu LGA), Preye Julius (36), and Kadija Abass (30, Gidama, Ilela LGA, Sokoto State), are accused of operating in Warri, Ughelli, and parts of Edo State.
According to police investigations, the syndicate’s modus operandi involved approaching unsuspecting victims under the pretext of seeking directions, only to allegedly hypnotise and dispossess them of valuables including motorcycles, jewellery, iPhones, and even bank account withdrawals.
Exhibits recovered from the gang include two Toyota Camrys (Reg. No. LND-809-HE and KSF-61-JU) and 16 suspected stolen iPhones.
Preliminary findings suggest that the suspects have defrauded at least 12 victims of more than ₦23.5 million, stolen 42 ladies’ motorcycles (“lady bikes”), and carted away numerous high-end phones.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, operatives attached to the Ekpan Police Division uncovered a racket specialising in the theft and resale of industrial ladders.
Acting on multiple complaints, the DPO detailed a team that tracked and arrested Esquire Stanley, who confessed to selling ladders valued at ₦250,000 each for just ₦20,000.
The investigation led to the arrest of four alleged receivers—Chinedu Okorie, Orgi Abara, Philip Augustine, and Obone Jevweu.
A total of 11 stolen ladders were recovered, while 10 suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
SP Edafe commended the operatives for their resilience but warned residents to remain vigilant, stressing that criminal syndicates are constantly devising new tricks to prey on unsuspecting members of the public.
“These arrests underscore our renewed commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks in Delta State. We will continue to pursue and prosecute offenders until our communities are safe,” Edafe assured.
The latest breakthroughs highlight both the sophistication of fraud and theft operations in Delta and the challenges facing law enforcement in curbing crime syndicates that stretch across local and state borders.
