Police in a gun duel arrest 8 notorious criminals in Delta

The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested eight notorious criminals including a cultist on three different occasions in the State.

CONVERSEER learned from a statement signed by SP Edafe Bright, Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State on Saturday that the suspects were arrested in three different locations in the State.

According to the statement, four of the suspects, of whom one was injured, were arrested in a gun duel on 3 April in Isah Ogwashi Uku community forest. They were Abua Prosper, Nduka Ashiedu, Abua Monday, and Ogor Okocha – all from Isah Ogwashi Uku community.

Two of the eight suspects who were involved in armed robbery were arrested in a gun duel on 1 April along Asaba/Benin Express Way of the State.

The other suspect, 29-year-old Joseph Jonathan, a native of Ika North-East was arrested on 4 April in a cult-related activity at a hotel in Issele-Azagba, all in Delta State.

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The statement which reiterated CP Abaniwona Olufemi’s commitment to combat crimes in the State, also listed various dangerous weapons realised by the police.

“On Wednesday 3/4/2024, at about 0945hrs, in response to a distress call from a resident of Isah Ogwashi Uku community that hoodlums bearing guns were shooting sporadically in the community forest, the Commander Safe Delta deployed police operatives to the area. The team upon arrival was engaged in a fierce gun duel by the hoodlums, during the gun duel, one of the suspects sustained bullet injuries and a Locally Made Double Barrel Cut-to-size gun, and Three Live Cartridges were recovered from the scene, the wounded suspect was taken to FMC Asaba for medical attention but confirmed dead by a medical doctor. Four (4) other suspects were arrested at the scene, those arrested include Abua Prosper, Nduka Ashiedu, Abua Monday, and Ogor Okocha all from Isah Ogwashi Uku community. The arrested suspects and the recovered exhibit are currently in our custody preliminary investigation ongoing.

“Also, on 01/04/2024 at about 0900hrs, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) while on routine patrol along Asaba/Benin Express Way encountered a group of about six unknown gunmen all armed with guns and other dangerous weapons. On sighting the operatives the suspects in a bid to escape had an encounter with operatives, during the gun duel, two of the suspected robbers were arrested with serious gunshot injuries. They were immediately taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead, while other suspects escaped. One locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun loaded with two live cartridges and a battle axe was recovered. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“In another incident, on 04/04/2024 at about 1700hrs on credible intelligence gathering on inter confraternity clash between different cultist groups ongoing in Ogwashi-Uku and its environs, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi directed that the operatives of Raiders Squad work meticulously on the gathered intelligence, and bring the adequate result to that effect. Upon the strength of the stern directive of the CP, the operatives raided one hotel in Issele – Azagba; and during the raid, one 29-year-old male suspect, Joseph Jonathan, a native of Ika North-East was arrested. Immediately, a search was conducted, and the following were recovered: one (01) Locally Made Cut Size Double Barrels and Three (03) live cartridges; one (01) black bag where the locally made cut-to-size pistol was concealed; and one (01) charm designed coweries. During interrogation, he confessed to being a member of Eiye Confraternity. Exhibits and suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing as efforts are on top gear to arrest other members of the gangs,” the statement read.