As a follow-up on the investigation of suspected kidnappers neutralized in Abraka, where one AK-47 rifle was recovered, the Delta Police Command has recovered two AK-47 magazines and 52 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
According to a press release made available to journalists by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe in Asaba, the recovery was made when the DPO Abraka Division led operatives to comb the surrounding bushes where some of the suspected kidnappers escaped into.
The team, upon thorough search of the bush, recovered two AK-47 magazines and 52 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.
Investigation also revealed that one of the neutralized suspects poses as an internet fraudster (Yahoo Boy) and has been using the proceeds got from kidnapping to build a 15-room duplex around Orogun, Ughelli North LGA.
Effort to arrest the other members of the gang is still ongoing.
The release added that following series of reported cases of vehicles removed from parking areas in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, and environs, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, directed Area Commanders and DPOs to nip this trend in the bud and also warned that if the trend continues, officers concerned will be severely sanctioned.
In line with this directive, the DPO Ughelli Division closely supervised by the Area Commander Ughelli, ACP Adebayo Ademola, on 15/6/2023 while acting on intelligence gathered arrested the duo of Phillip Ekugbe ‘m’ and Onome Erikefe ‘m’ both of Ekpan community, Effurun, who specialize in snatching vehicles from Warri and environs and taking them to Ughelli where they disassemble and sell the vehicles in parts.
Some 74 vehicle tyres, 16 vehicle engines, eight gear boxes, 15 motor batteries, two motorcycle engines and seven suspected stolen vehicles have so far been recovered.
The vehicles include one Toyota Corolla with reg. no. AJ 638 EFR, Toyota Carina with reg. no. WW 748 SL, Toyota Corolla with reg. no. DU 60 LSR, Toyota Corolla with reg. no. WWR 799 AE, Toyota Corolla with reg. no. KSF 758 DC, and one unregistered Nissan car.
The said suspects are cooling in police custody, and investigation is still ongoing.
In another development, the DPO GRA division received a distress call that on 30/5/2023, a man took his Benz GLK 350 to a car wash situated along Mariam Babangida Way for washing but when he returned, he was told that one of the attendants had stolen the car and escaped to an unknown destination.
On receipt of this complaint, the DPO GRA CSP Spencer Tyozua detailed detectives to embark on an intelligence-led investigation which paid off as the suspect named Emmanuel Chidera ‘m’ aged 22yrs was arrested on 14/6/2023 around magistrate court area in Asaba.
During the course of interrogation, the suspect confessed that he had taken the car to Benin City in Edo State where he intends to sell the car.
The vehicle has been recovered, and effort to arrest his accomplices is still ongoing.
CP Wale Abass, who is pleased with the effort shown by DPOSs and Area commanders of the Command, also admonished them to sustain the tempo while appealing to Deltans to trust the police and help with useful information at all times.
