Three Suspected Cultists said to have been terrorizing Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and the environs in Delta State have been arrested by the police.
The suspects were responsible for various high-profile kidnappings in the state.
The suspects are the between the ages of 32, 46 and 28 years were arrested on 9, May 2024 at their various hideouts in the State.
A release on May 12, 2024, by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, the team that apprehended them was led by ASP Julius Robinson on the directive of the State Commissioner of police, Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi.
The release says, “On 9/5/2024 at about 0430hrs, the special team deployed to Ughelli by the commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi led by ASP Julius Robinson acting on technically generated intelligence stormed Oghara town and arrested a 28 years suspect who is a member of Eiye confraternity resident in Oghara Delta State.
“The suspect led the operatives to a hotel in koko Junction Oghara where another suspect aged 46 years and a member of Eiye confraternity was arrested and an automatic Pump Action gun was recovered from him.
“Consequently, upon further interrogation of the two suspects, they led the operatives to the arrest of another 32 years old suspect in Sapele Delta State where one new AK-47 rifle with and an empty magazine were recovered.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects are linked to a series of kidnappings in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and the environs”, stressing that the suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing.
In another development, on 09/5/2024, acting on credible intelligence, “operatives on special assignment at Ughellli have been following up on a notorious cultist/gun runner named Okobe Ability ‘m’, stormed Oleh town in Isoko North LGA of Delta State, but the suspect upon sighting the police operatives dropped a black polythene bag and escaped.
“Upon search of the bag, One baretta pistol, and five(5) live ammunition were recovered”, adding that efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect are ongoing.
Similarly, “On 8/05/2024 at about 1630hrs, while Dragon Tactical Patrol Teams were conducting a stop and search along Ogwashi-Uku/Kwale Road, they intercepted a red commercial Toyota Sienna space van conveying passengers from Asaba to Warri.
“Upon search of the vehicle and occupants, one Favour Eze, a 24yrs male native of Amasiri Village in Afikpo L.G.A, Ebonyi State was arrested in possession of one Locally Made Pistol, hard drug suspected to be Loud, and human hair, all concealed in a bag of cloths.
“The suspect was arrested alongside the exhibits. The suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commended officers and men of the command for their continuous resolute in the fight against crime and criminality also warned that in the discharge of their duty, they must respect the rights of citizens and ensure that they discharge their duties in accordance with the law.
He also advises members of the public to cooperate with the Police, especially during stop search.
