The Delta State Police Command said it has arrested two suspected kidnappers and four suspected cultists in the State.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Edafe Bright, on Monday 12th 2024, gave the names of the kidnap suspects as Idogor, 24 years and Emmanuel Sunday19 years old, all of Evwreni Community in Ughelli nouth local government area of the State.
He said 29 arms, including two AK-47 rifles as well as over 600 ammunition and 10 magazines were recovered within the period under review.
The image maker named the cult suspects as Chigozie Edwin, a 28 years old native of Akpuoga Village in Ujodo local government area of Enugu State; James Prince Chukwuebuka, a 20 years native of Effiom Village in Ezza north local government area of Ebonyi State; Harmony Mkemjika Ohanebum, a 30 years native of Okija Town in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State; and Garba Jubril, a 27 years native of Kogmbotō local government area, Kano State.
According to the Police Spokesperson, “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 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 24 years, and Emmanuel Sunday age 19 years all of Evwreni Community in Ughelli nouth were arrested.
“These suspects were linked to the kidnap of the victim, and the victim has identified the two suspects, stressing that investigation is still ongoing as effort is being intensified to arrest the other fleeing gang members.
Similarly, 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 28 years native of Akpuoga Village in Ujodo local government area of Enugu State; James Prince Chukwuebuka, a 20 years native of Effiom Village in Ezza north local government area of Ebonyi State; Harmony Mkemjika Ohanebum, a 30 years native of Okija Town in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State; and Garba Jubril, a 27 years native of Kogmbotō local government area, 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”, adding that manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.
He said that the CP Olufemi Abaniwonda warned 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, he added.
