The High Court of Delta State sitting in Asaba has remanded four suspected members of an alleged gun-running syndicate over the recovery of a Beretta pistol at the Effurun Transport Park in Uvwie Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike, were arraigned before the court after investigations linked them to the illegal movement and distribution of firearms across state boundaries.
Police authorities disclosed that the weapon was recovered during an operation carried out on April 26, 2026, at the busy transport park in Effurun, triggering an extensive investigation.
The Delta State Police Command said intelligence-driven operations subsequently led to the arrest of the suspects in separate raids conducted in Bayelsa and Imo states.
According to the Command, investigations revealed an alleged network involved in the procurement and transportation of illegal firearms, prompting the prosecution of the suspects.
Upon the conclusion of investigations, the defendants were charged before the court on a five-count charge bordering on unlawful possession of firearms, possession of ammunition, conspiracy, and alleged involvement in unlawful organisations.
One of the charges relates to the unlawful possession of a firearm under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, while another concerns the possession of a fabricated Beretta pistol.
The suspects were also accused of possessing four rounds of live 9mm ammunition and allegedly participating in activities linked to a proscribed organisation in Delta State.
After hearing the matter, the court ordered that the four defendants be remanded in correctional custody pending further proceedings and the determination of the case.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to combat illegal firearms proliferation, cultism and violent crime. He assured residents that the police would sustain aggressive operations against criminal networks while intensifying efforts to apprehend other suspects still at large.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, investigations into the case are ongoing.