The Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspects in various operations across the state for alleged involvement in cultism, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, in a statement on Tuesday, announced that the three suspects were apprehended at different locations across the state during intelligence operations.
Edafe identified the suspects as Emmanuel John Aisewowhion, Philips Omomedia, and Christopher Semede, stating they will be prosecuted upon the completion of the investigation.
Detailing the arrests, Edafe disclosed that Aisewowhion was arrested with a pistol in Ughelli on May 24 by police operatives. He reportedly claimed to be a member of the Eiye confraternity and allegedly obtained the gun from a suspected gunrunner, Goodluck Sakutu.
Edafe stated that Omomedia was arrested in the Onogo-Vor community in Ughelli following multiple reports of cult-related activities. “Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a member of the Aro-Bagar confraternity and suspected to be involved in a series of cult-related killings. One automatic double-barrelled gun with 15 live cartridges was recovered from him,” Edafe added.
Regarding Semede’s arrest, Edafe stated, “Hunters on a crime-prevention patrol along the Oputu Road in the Orhowurun community in Udu LGA flagged down a motorcyclist carrying one passenger for a routine search. The suspect refused to stop, leading to a chase. During the chase, Christopher Semede, 33, was arrested, and one locally made cut-to-size double-barrelled pistol was recovered from him.”
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate connected to the arrested suspects. Edafe assured residents of the command’s commitment to ridding the state of criminal elements.
“CP Abaniwonda Olufemi commends officers and men of the command for their steadfastness in fighting crime and urges other officers to emulate the same dedication. He assured residents that the command will continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute suspects until Delta State is free from all forms of criminality,” Edafe concluded.
PUNCH Metro reported on Sunday the arrest of other suspected armed robbers and cultists by the Delta State Police Command. The PPRO mentioned that on May 18, 2024, a resident of Ekpan community reported seeing a young man dressed in black carrying a black bag in their compound. The alarm raised led to the suspect escaping, but it was later discovered that their pumping machine was stolen.
“Operatives, alongside community members, arrested one Gift Newworld of Ekpan community. After thorough interrogation and investigation, the suspect led the police to his hideout where the pumping machine, one locally made cut-to-size double-barrelled gun, and three live cartridges were recovered,” Edafe said.
Source : Punch Newspaper
