Metro
Police arrest 10 suspected kidnappers, armed robbers in Delta
Operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad of the Delta State Police Command have arrested 10 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers across the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, and made available to journalists in Warri on Thursday.
According to the statement, on January 20, 2026, at about 4:30 a.m., SAKCCS operatives, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated follow-up operation in connection with reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Obinoba, Obiaruku, Abraka, Ororokpe and neighbouring communities.
“The intelligence-led operation, which was executed along the Jedo/Ugboton–Warri axis, saw operatives discreetly trail a suspect to a notorious criminal hideout allegedly operated by one Oke Jerry Ekokodjie (male) and one Ibori (surname unknown).
“Upon storming the location, the principal suspects — Oke Jerry Ekokodjie and Ibori — alongside three others, were arrested, while some members of the gang escaped through adjoining creeks and waterways.
“A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of one locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol with three rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one black Mercedes-Benz GLK, one battle axe, illicit substances in commercial quantity, and one Point-of-Sale (POS) machine,” the statement read.
Edafe said the suspects are currently in police custody, undergoing further investigation, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members.
In a separate operation, the PPRO disclosed that on January 22, 2026, at about 2:56 a.m., operatives from the Obiaruku Division conducted a targeted raid on a suspected cultist’s hideout in Amai Community, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
During the operation, five suspects were arrested. They include Frank Etiyemonu (36), Chinedu Emeka (25), Festus Nwadiche (26), Azuju Onowu (29), and Ozor Blessing (29).
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, two battle axes, quantities of Indian hemp and other suspected hard drugs, as well as other dangerous weapons.
The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives “for their professionalism and effective use of actionable intelligence.”
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ridding Delta State of criminal elements through sustained, proactive and intelligence-driven policing, and urged residents to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information, assuring them of strict confidentiality.
In a similar operation, PUNCH Online had reported that the Delta State Police Command had begun a manhunt for six suspected kidnappers who fled during an exchange of gunfire with its operatives in the Upper Agbarho area of the state.
The police also said they recovered arms and ammunition from the suspects, who were allegedly attempting to carry out a kidnapping before being intercepted by operatives.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested one suspect in connection with the death of Mr Unity Ekpevbughe Adeda, a Deputy Director in the state Ministry of Secondary Education, following allegations that he was assaulted at the office of the Commissioner for Secondary Education, Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu, in Asaba.
The police disclosed this in a press release issued on Friday, September 25, 2026, confirming that the arrested suspect, identified as Lucky Adoh, was among three individuals allegedly linked to the incident.
The other two suspects, identified as Enos Attah and Oputa Okestine, are reportedly on the run, with the police saying a manhunt has been launched to apprehend them.
The incident, which reportedly occurred at the commissioner’s office, has drawn public attention following allegations that the deceased was beaten by the commissioner’s aides.
The police, however, said investigations were ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the subsequent death of the senior civil servant.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, has directed the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the case.
According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the investigation would examine available evidence, including video footage, eyewitness accounts, medical records and the actions of everyone connected with the incident.
The command said the investigation was aimed at establishing the facts and ensuring that anyone found culpable would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner assured the deceased’s family and members of the public that no individual found culpable would be shielded, regardless of their position or status.
Erale also pledged that the investigation would be conducted professionally, transparently and without interference.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and avoid drawing conclusions before the investigation establishes the facts surrounding the incident.
The commissioner also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, assuring them that the command would pursue justice without fear or favour.
The police statement did not disclose whether the commissioner for secondary education or any other official had been questioned in connection with the incident.
The Story will continue to follow developments in the investigation as the police work to apprehend the fleeing suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding Adeda’s death.
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has assured that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable in the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State.
Audi gave the assurance when he paid a condolence and courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Umar Bahago, the families of the deceased and the family of the survivor.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC boss said the Corps would prioritise justice and transparency in its response to the incident.
“The CG strongly condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence,” the statement partly read.
Audi also disclosed that the Federal Government, following a directive from the Presidency, had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident.
He said the NSCDC was fully cooperating with the committee, adding that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody to make them available for the investigation.
“The CG noted that the Federal Government, under the directive of the Presidency, has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident. The NSCDC is fully cooperating with the panel. Relevant personnel have already been placed in protective custody to make them fully available for a transparent investigation process,” he said.
Audi explained that his visit was also to join Muslim faithful in observing the third- and seventh-day prayers for the deceased.
He said the prayers were significant for seeking the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the families, the Emir expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for his visit and the administrative steps taken following the incident.
He also commended the NSCDC for cooperating with the Presidential investigative committee and for personally identifying with the community during the period of mourning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over N80 million recovered from a businessman accused of selling a 146-acre property to another businessman without transferring ownership of the land.
In a statement on X on Thursday, the EFCC said the Acting Zonal Director of its Benin Zonal Directorate, DCE Sa’ad Hanafi Sa’ad, handed over a draft of the recovered N80 million to 42-year-old businessman, Ifeanyi Innocent Madueke, on Wednesday, September 24, 2026.
The commission said Madueke had purchased 146 acres of land in a community in Delta State from Austine Muanya Okafor for N232.8 million.
However, Madueke was unable to take possession of the property despite completing payment, prompting him to approach Okafor for a refund.
According to the EFCC, Madueke’s efforts to recover his money were unsuccessful, leading him to petition the commission.
The EFCC said investigation established that Madueke transferred the money to the suspect in three tranches.
Presenting the recovered funds, Sa’ad said the commission would continue to discharge its responsibilities professionally and with utmost integrity.
He also warned that fraudsters would not be allowed to benefit from illicit activities.
Receiving the N80 million draft, Madueke expressed appreciation to the EFCC, saying he had almost lost hope before petitioning the commission.
“I am grateful to the Commission for what they have done. I had lost hope before I came to EFCC. I thank the management and staff for the good work they are doing,” he said.
The EFCC said the recovery formed part of its efforts to investigate financial crimes and recover proceeds of fraudulent transactions.
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