The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Wale Abass, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Delta State Police Command to combating crime and criminal activities within the state. In a press briefing held on October 24, 2023, the Commissioner provided updates on recent operations and arrests aimed at tackling various forms of criminality.
On October 21, 2023, the Delta State Police, acting on credible intelligence, conducted an operation to apprehend suspected armed cultists of the Jurists Confraternity in the DSC Quarters area of Udu LGA. Two suspects, Emmanuel Egbegbor Boms (aged 36) and Obus Obukoko (aged 32), were arrested. The suspects led the police to the hideout of another gang member, Moses Omoko (aged 19), at SEDCO Area in Enerhen, where the police recovered an AK-49 rifle with magazines loaded with 41 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, as well as a locally made double-barrel gun with live cartridges. The suspects and exhibits are in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
On October 23, 2023, the Delta State Police responded to a report of a kidnapping incident along the Warri-Sapele expressway. The DPO Sapele Division led a combined team from the Division, Area Command, tactical teams, and vigilantes to search the Ibada-Elume bushes and swampy areas of the region. The kidnappers abandoned their victims as they sensed the approaching police team and fled the scene. Two kidnapped victims were rescued and reunited with their families.
On October 18, 2023, the Ofuoma Division’s patrol team conducted a stop-and-search operation at Ofuoma, Ughelli North LGA. They intercepted a Toyota Corolla vehicle, whose male driver attempted to escape on foot into the nearby bush but eluded capture. The vehicle search yielded the discovery of one cut-to-size single-barrel gun, one cut-to-size double-barrel gun, one single-barrel gun, one cutlass, and a sack containing substances suspected to be crystal meth (ICE), cocaine, and thirteen wraps of Indian hemp. The police are actively pursuing the fleeing suspect.
On October 5, 2023, Mrs. Joy Chukwudi reported a case of alleged child defilement involving her 4-year-old daughter. The suspect, Innocent Ezeukwu, who was also the owner and only male teacher at the school, was arrested. Preliminary investigations were conducted, leading to the issuance of a medical report and an identification parade where the victim identified the suspect. However, the Commissioner of Police directed that the case be transferred from the court to the State Criminal and Investigation Department (SCID) for further thorough investigations.
On October 18, 2023, a father, Nnajiofor Nweke, went to Alihame Mixed Secondary School, Agbor, to confront one of the teachers over a punishment given to his son. The confrontation escalated, leading to the suspect physically assaulting the teacher, Ufah Sunday, who later slumped and died. The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Commissioner CP Wale Abass warned against jungle justice, urging the residents, especially the youth, to rely on law enforcement agencies when seeking justice. He emphasized that the law would be enforced against anyone who incites mob actions against fellow citizens.
The Delta State Police Command remains committed to enhancing and improving its efforts to detect and apprehend criminals in the state. The Commissioner further noted that operations in the Ember months are intensifying, and more unrepentant criminals should expect to be brought to justice.