In a recent development, the Delta State Police Command has successfully apprehended a group of individuals believed to be involved in various criminal activities, including kidnapping, robbery, and cultism. The command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, released a statement on Thursday, shedding light on the arrests.
According to the statement, the police acted on intelligence gathered regarding a series of kidnapping incidents in the Warri axis. Their investigations led them to focus on a prime suspect, 20-year-old Yakubu Ya’u, who hails from Kaduna but frequents Oha and Ughwagba Communities in Okpe LGA to carry out kidnappings for ransom. Working in collaboration with the Force Intelligence Unit, Abuja, the police traced Ya’u to his hideout in Warri. The diligent efforts of the DPO Orerokpe, CSP Paul Oboware, and his patrol teams resulted in the successful arrest of Ya’u on May 11, 2024, at approximately 17:43 hrs.
During the preliminary investigation and interrogation of Ya’u, two other key gang members were identified and subsequently arrested. Musa Yakubu, a 25-year-old from Kogi State, and Abdulahi Mohammed, a 38-year-old Cameroonian, were apprehended on May 12, 2024, around 10:49 hrs. The suspects were linked to the crimes through the testimony of victims, who also assisted the detectives in locating weapons hidden in Ughwagba Community. The recovered items included two automatic pump-action guns, one live cartridge, and a knife that were concealed in the bush.
While the investigations are still ongoing, the Delta State Police Command remains committed to capturing the remaining fugitives associated with this gang. In a separate arrest on May 10, the police apprehended 22-year-old Michael Udo from the Ozoro division. A search of his residence yielded a locally made revolver gun and two live cartridges, underscoring the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, on Tuesday, another arrest was made in Obiaruku following a distress call concerning forced cult initiation. Chinedu Okolo, a 31-year-old resident of Ezhionum Community, was taken into custody by the DPO Obiaruku and his team, who swiftly responded to the complaint. The operation resulted in the recovery of a locally made double-barreled pistol and the victim’s stolen phone.
Law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects who managed to flee the scenes. The Delta State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to maintaining peace and security within the state.
