PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMISSIONER OF POLICE, DELTA STATE COMMAND CP. ZANNA M. IBRAHIM, psc

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COMISSIONER OF POLICE, DELTA

STATE COMMAND CP. ZANNA M. IBRAHIM, psc, ON THURSDAY 22^nd

 JUNE, 2017 AT STATE HEADQUARTERS ASABA.

Gentle men of the press,

It is a pleasure for me to welcome you once more to this press conference. This is necessitated by the need to avail you with unfolding events in the state in the past few weeks and also the breakthroughs achieved recently

1.   KIDNAPPING – SAKCCS

a)   NATURE OF THE CASE: KIDNAPPING/BEING IN POSESSION OF SUSPECTED HUMAN PARTS

SUSPECT:    i. Inalu Felix Chibogwu ‘m’, 45yrs of No. 16 Agboda Str. Ishikaguma, Amai

EXHIBITS:  One black bag containing intestine, two small gallons containing substances, both suspected to be human parts and criminal charms

FACT OF THE CASE: On 3/6/2017, one Maduabuchukwu Adams ‘m’ of Umuebu village was reported missing/kidnapped. However, on 4/6/17, one Inalu Felix Chibogwu ‘m’, who was suspected to have participated in the attack on Umuebu community, was arrested at Abavo by a vigilant police team on Stop and Search duty. The team stopped the passenger bus the suspect boarded in a bid to escape to Lagos. Upon search conducted on the bus and passengers, a bag and two gallons containing the above mentioned exhibits, belonging to the suspect, were recovered.

          Investigation is in progress.

b)   NATURE OF THE CASE:  ARREST OF CONFESSED KIDNAPPERS

SUSPECTS: i.          Sampson Okwaji ‘m’, 25yrs of Obodo-Eti , Kwale

  ii.          Aghanenu Bright ‘m’, 26yrs of No. 23 Obiawun Str. Emu-Ebendo

                iii.          Agagaraga Kess ‘m’, 21yrs of No. Ogbe-Uku Umusan Ogbe

VICTIM:  Igbe Benjamin ‘m’, 52yrs of No. 35 Umusam road, Kwale

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 25^th May, 2017, one Igbe Benjamin ‘m’ of No. 35 Umusam road, Kwale was kidnapped by unknown armed men who held him hostage in an unknown bush for three days before he luckily escaped. In the course of investigation into the case, on 27/05/2017, one Sampson Okwaji ‘m’ was arrested and he admitted committing the crime. The suspect confessed other members of his gang as one Aghanenu Bright ‘m’, and Agagaraga Kess ‘m’ who have equally been arrested. One of the suspects – Agagaraga Kess additionally confessed that he monitored the movement of the victim before he was kidnapped.

          The suspects are undergoing investigation.

c)   NATURE OF THE CASE: ARREST OF A NOTORIOUS/CONFESSED KIDNAPPER

SUSPECT:     i.      Tanko David ‘m’ a.k.a Yakubu Mopol, 29yrs of    

                        Lantang in Plateau State

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 7/06/2017, based on confession by one Salihu Tola ‘m’, a dismissed soldier and a kingpin of kidnap syndicate that specializes in kidnapping females within    Asaba and environs, currently under investigation, one Tanko David ‘m’, a member of the syndicate was arrested. The suspect confessed his participation in several kidnap of female victims. He is helping the police in investigation with a view to arresting other members of the gang.

d)   NATURE OF THE CASE: ARREST OF NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPER(SAKCCS ASABA

SUSPECT:  1. Shuaibu Alhaji Haruna ‘m’ 35yrs, a native of Kogi state, resident at     Obe-Obi community of Illah, Oshimili North LGA.

FACTS OF THE CASE:  Following the kidnap of one Mr. Charles Chukwuemeka Eze of No. 4 Kochuwo street Wuse 2 Abuja on 22/4/2017 along Idumuga/Obomkpa road and his subsequent release after payment of undisclosed ransom on 3/6/2017, at about 083 SAKCCS operatives acting on available intelligence, arrested the suspect who confessed to the crime and mentioned his cohorts. Case is under investigation.

e)    NATURE OF THE CASE: KIDNAP/RESCUE OF VICTIM (EAGLE NET SQUAD

                                      WARRI) 

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 7/6/2017, at about 0725hrs, Eagle Net Squad received a distress call that one Mrs. Mariam Ofili was accosted with her five children at the gate of her residence at Osubi area of Warri by four armed men while returning from church. She escaped for safety, but her children were abducted along with her Lexus Jeep RX330 Model, Golden color, with Reg. No. MIMI1. After a hot chase by the team, the children were abandoned and rescued. Continued trail of the hoodlums forced them to abandon the victim’s vehicle. Also, a Delta State commercial colored tricycle with Reg. number used by hoodlums at Ozoro area was also recovered. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the hoodlums. The children have been reunited with their parents. Case is under investigation.

f)     NATURE OF THE CASE:  ARREST OF KIDNAPPERS/RECOVERY OF FIRE ARMS AND RESCUE OF KIDNAPPED VICTIM

SUSPECTS:     1. Thankgod Pius ‘m’ 18yrs

2.     Onume Oghenero ‘m’, 28yrs}

3.    Alkasi Abdullahi ‘m’ 24yrs }

4.    Friday ododo ‘m’, 20yrs}

5.    Oiro French ‘m’, 21yrs } All of Oleh town

VICTIM: Uzih Simon ‘m’, 48yrs of Oleh town

EXHIBITS RECOVERED: Two cut to size barrel pistols

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 13/6/2017, at about 1400hrs, one Uzih Benedict ‘m’ of Oleh town, reported at the Police station Oleh, that on the same date, at about 0600hrs, his cousin, one Uzih Simon ‘m’, 48yrs of same address was kidnapped by unknown gun men. Sequel to the report, policemen from the Division mobilized on trail of the hoodlums, and arrested the above mentioned suspects at about 16oohrs of same date, while the victim was rescued unhurt. Two cut-to-size barrel pistols were recovered from the suspects. Investigation is in progress.

g)   NATURE OF THE CASE:   KIDNAPPERS

SUSPECTS:     1. Monday Ighoro ‘m’ 31yrs of Agbara Aghalokpe

                      2. Emmanuel Akponojovi ‘m’, 39yrs of Orerokpe

                     3. Godspower Okotie ‘m’, 33yrs of Inajaro Street, Eku

VICTIM:  i. Youdeowei Patience ‘f’, 48yrs of Ebrumede

               ii. Benita Regha ‘f’, 46yrs of Ovie Palace road, Effurun

              iii. Okomadu Elogho ‘f’, 35yrs of Ebrumede Estate

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 17/6/2017, at about 1500hrs, one Youdeowei Patience ‘f’, Benita Regha ‘f’ and Okomadu Elogho ‘f’ were kidnapped by three men armed with guns at Okpara along Eku/Sapele road while driving in a Toyota Lexus 350 Jeep with Reg. No. TRT 605 GE. The hoodlums having kidnapped the victims in the said vehicle drove them to their hideout at Ekpan bush with three other members of the gang placed on guard. On 19^th June 2017, three suspects viz: Monday Ighoro ‘m’, Emmanuel Akponojovi ‘m’ and Godspower Okotie ‘m’ were arrested in Eku bush while making preparation to sell the victim’s Lexus Jeep, they later led the police to their hideout were the victims were rescued and three other members of the gang on guard escaped. Meanwhile, suspects have made a useful statement that is helping the police in investigation. Discreet effort is being made to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.

h)   NATURE OF CASE:  CONSPIRACY, AIDING AND ABETTING KIDNAPPING       

SUSPECT:     MUSA MOHAMMED AKA “MUSA 1000”

FACTS OF THE CASE: On O1/06/2017 at about 1700hrs a team of SAKCCS operatives in a joint operation with Eagle vigilante group of Abraka market Asabatrailed and arrested one Musa Mohammed aka “ Musa 1000” at Hausa market Onitsha in Anambra state. Suspect has been in the command’s watch list for aiding and abetting commission of kidnapping and other related offense. Suspect is responsible for the supply of arms and ammunitions to various kidnapping syndicates of mostly Hausa/Fulani extractors. Investigation is in progress as suspect will be charged to court soon.

i)     NATURE OF CASE: ARREST OF  KIDNAPPERS

SUSPECTS:   I. ESOSHEPHOYO EBRUPHOYO ‘M’ 19YRS OF OTEYEYERE STR. UGHELLI

        II.  AGOFURE IBRAHIM ‘M’ 20YRS OF  NO. 63 EDEWO STREET EKU

        III. HAPPY MACAULY ‘M’ 25 YRS OF OBOKO TOWN UDU

        IV. OKORO OCHUKO ‘M’ 18YRS EKEREWA STREET EKU TOWN

VICTIM:    HON JOSEPH EMEKA UKPE ‘M’ 53YRS ‘M’ 52YRS  OF KWALE

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 16^th February 2017 at about 1420hrs, one Joseph Emeka Ukpe , while on transit from Oghara to Kwale through Eku, four armed men kidnapped him into an unknown bush. He was released after three days from the kidnapping hideout. On 16/04/2017 four suspects viz: Esoshephoyo Ebruphoyo ‘m’, Agofure Ibrahim ‘m’, Happy Macaulay ‘m’ and Okoro Ochuko ‘m’ were arrested. On their arrest, they admitted to have kidnapped one Festus SNU along Ughelli road by Afiserebridge. The suspects confessed receiving the sum of N640,000 from the victim’s wife before his release.

j)     NATURE OF CASE: CONSPIRACY, ARMED ROBBERY AND KIDNAPPING

SUSPECTS:  I. BLESSING FERNANDO ‘M’ 50YRS OF NO.5 NKOLOBI STR. OZORO     

VICTIM:       SAME AS COMPLAINANT

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 25^th May 2017 at about 1200hrs, one blessing Fernando an Italian national but residence in ‘m’ of Evowe qtrs of Ozoro in Isoko North L.G.A of Delta state, was arrested at Ogbe-Isoko community.  Suspect who belong to a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Ozoro and its environs was arrested at a scene where he came to collect ransom of additional sum of Fifty thousand naira (N50,000) from the victim’s relatives having robbed the victim the sum of Two hundred and fifty thousand naira. Effort to arrest other fleeing gang members is on course as case will be charged to court soon

k)   NATURE OF CASE: CONSPIRACY, ARMED ROBBERY AND KIDNAPPING

SUSPECTS:   I. BENJAMIN AMBROSE ‘M’ 26YRS OF IFAKA STR. OVWIAN, UDU

        II. AUSTINE OJEGBA ‘M’ 30YRS OF EJEWU BY OGHORO JUNCTION UDU

VICTIMS:    1. CHRISTOPHER GASHUA ‘M’ 41YRS OF 32 FARM RD, PORT-HARCOURT

                  2. HON. ROTIMI O. OKUADI ‘M’ 47YRS OF NO 11 OWEGBO STR. ENERHRN

                  3. NKADI VICTOR ‘M’ 49YRS OF NO. 3 EGBO DRIVE EGRUDJABOR,                                          UGHELLI

                  4. HON. VICTOR OGAGANOMU ‘M’ 53YRS PEM SEC QUARTERS ASABA

                   5. LATE DSP GERMAN EMMANUEL ‘M’ 48YRS ATTACHED TO SAKS DELTA                        STATE   COMMAND.

                 6. LATE MR. ISAAC DITTIMIYA ‘M’ 52YRS OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION                             WARRI

EXHIBIT:    A NAVY BLUE VENTO CAR (PARKED AT KWALE DIVISION)

FACTS OF THE CASE: operatives of the Special Anti-kidnapping Squad, Delta state command on 05/05/2017 stormed warri axis and effects the arrest of the aforementioned suspects. Suspects belong to a deadly kidnapping syndicate headed by one Lucky Unumeri aka “FESBO” and one Charles Ighumaye aka “AWILO”. Gangs are responsible for most kidnaps within Warri/Ughelli/Agbarho/Eku/Sapele and its environ, including the attack and murder of Area Commander Ughelli ACP Ndababa Usman and late Dsp German Emmanuel. Benjamin Ambrose confessed to be the gang’s operational driver while Austin Ojegba is responsible for the sales of victim’s vehicles. Suspects will soon be charged to court.

(2) ARMED ROBBERY

c)   THE CASE:  ARREST OF SUSPECTS AND RECOVERY OF STOLEN VEHICLE

SUSPECTS:      1. Poisigha Edward Ayiba ‘m’, aged 28yrs of No. 64 Oluwatedo

                            Isashi Lagos (dismissed Naval Officer)

                        2.  David Chibuike ‘m’ aged 26yrs of No. 22 Ogute Street, Sonne

                              Lagos State.

EXHIBIT:   1.Toyota Corolla car REg. No. LSR 128 AW  

                  2. One Seaman Naval identity card   

FACTS OF THE CASE:     On 11/6/2017, at about 1645hrs, the men of Safer High Way Patrol team 019 were on Stop and Search at Alifikede-Agbor by Edo/Delta Bardary when they accosted the above car with the tow occupants. During searching, a documents that bears one Adebayo Esther was seen and when contacted she told the Police that the car was stolen from where parked in her above address hence the two suspects were immediately arrested and transferred to SARS office for discreet investigation.

d)  THE CASE:  ARREST OF ARMED ROBBER/RECOVERY OF SNATCHED

                    VEHICLE

VICTIM:   Nwadialu Victoria ‘f’ aged, 27yrs of Asaba Housing Estate, Asaba

SUSPECT:           1. Daniel Chukwuemeka ‘m’ aged, 26yrs of No. 58 Ikeja   Cantonment, Lagos.

EXHIBIT:   1. One Toyota Venza Reg. No. FST 852 GE

                            

FACTS OF THE CASE:     On 18/6/2017, at about 2230hrs, SARS men and patrol within Asaba metro received a distress call from one Frank Nwadialu ‘m’ of Jesus Saves road, Asaba that four armed men snatched a Toyota Venza Reg. No. FST 852 GE from his wife, the victim, on gun point. On receipt of the report the men swung into action and recovered the snatched car with a different plate number AKD 518 ES.  at Jolly John Hotel, by Road Safety Office, Asaba. The above named suspect was arrested in connection with the crime. Case is under investigation.

(3)        OTHERS  

NATURE OF THE CASE: ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF FIRE ARMS

SUSPECT:    Onyekwere Onwuka ‘m’ age 36yrs of Tassia Road

Onitsha, in Anambra State.

EXHIBIT:      One pump Action Gun                        

b)  FACTS OF THE CASE: On 26/5/2017, at about 2230hrs, the above named suspect was sighted at Abraka market, Asaba with a Pump action gun and arrested by Mopol 47 men who were on patrol  and one English pump action gun recovered from him. The suspect was handed over to ‘C’ Division, Asaba who later transferred the casefile, suspect and exhibit to SARS office for further investigation. Preliminary investigation carried out so far reveals that the suspect is a member of the Vigilante attached to Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State. His mission to Asaba is not known to his office, nevertheless, investigation is in progress. 

d)   NATURE OF THE CASE:  UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF LOCALLY MADE CUT TO SIZE PISTOL WITH ONE LIVE CARTRIDGE 

SUSPECT:   Mathew Oniofe ‘M’ Aged 45yrs, of No. 3 Ogu Street Ovrode town, Ashaka.  

                                                          

EXHIBITS:   One locally made pistol with one cartridge and two cutlasses 

                            

FACTS OF THE CASE:  On 5/5/2017, at about 1930hrs, a team of patrol men from Ashaka Division were on Stop and Search along Ushie Ashaka road, Ashaka when they accosted the suspect one Mathew Omoefe ‘m’ and one other now at large with one Qlink motorcycle  reg. No. DTSG 132. On a search, one locally made pistol with one live cartridge and two cutlasses were recovered. The second suspect however, under the pretence that he wanted to ease himself, escaped into the bush. Suspect and exhibits were later transferred to SARS office for further investigation. 

g)   NATURE OF THE CASE: UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF LOCALLY MADE REVOLVING PISTOL AND ONE LIVE AMMUNITION

SUSPECT:  Lucky Kennedy ‘m’ age 21yrs of Oba Quarters

      Umunede

EXHIBIT:  One locally made Revolver Pistol and one live

               ammunition                                            

FACTS OF THE CASE: On the 4/6/2017, at about 1825hrs, the men of Safer Highway patrol led by Sgt. AzuEbaje were on vehicular patrol along Otolopo road Umunede when they received   information that some hoodlums were terrorizing Otolokpo road, Umunede. On the strength of this the men swung into action and on sighting a man who jumped out of a moving motorcycle, chased him and succeeded in arresting him. They conducted a search on him and found one revolver pistol with one live ammunition. The suspect confessed that he is the controller of Aro-baggar confraternity. The suspect and the exhibits were recovered and transferred to SARS for discreet investigation.     

h) NATURE OF THE CASE: UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF TWO LOCALLY MADE GUNS AND TWO LIVE CARTRIDGES  

SUSPECTS:  1 Nebokike Nduka ‘m’ age 25yrs}

                    2. Ernest Okoye ‘m’ age 25yrs} both of Boji-Boji Owa in

    Ika North 

VICTIM:       Vigilante at Boji-Boji Owa in Ika L.G.A of Delta State

EXHIBITs:    One locally made gun, one cartridge and one

handset                                                                 

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 1/6/2017, at about 2000hrs, the vigilantee men at Boji-boji-owa in Ika North East L.G.A of Delta State were on routine patrol along Owa-Ekei road, Boji-BojiOwa when they intercepted a motorcycle reg. no. unknown with three occupants, on a search, two locally made guns and two live cartridges were recovered from two of the suspects named above, while the third suspect who happened to be the rider zoomed off with his motorcycle. The two suspects and exhibits were handed over to Owa-Oyibo Division which later transferred same to SARS office for discreet investigation. 

i)    NATURE OF THE CASE: CAUSING GRIEVOUS HARM – ADMIN SEC. SCCID

SUSPECT:  Stella Ifeoma Agbo ‘f’, 31yrs of Behind Monic Hotel, Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State

VICTIM: Judith Johnpaul ‘f’, 19yrs of Behind Winners Church, Okpanam, Oshimili North LGA, Delta State.

EXHIBITS: i. Small empty custard cup

                 ii. Pieces of acid-burnt clothes

FACTS OF THE CASE: On 4/6/2017 at about 0845hrs, while the victim was going for a church service at St. Andrews Anglican church, Okpanam, in company of her younger brother, one Nelson Johnpaul, they saw the suspect who was formerly their co-tenant standing by the junction close to the church with a black nylon bag in her hand. The suspect suddenly followed up the victim from behind and attacked her by pouring liquid suspected to be acid on her. The victim sustained acid burns on her face and other parts of her body and presently receiving treatment at FMC, Asaba.

          Meanwhile, the suspect is undergoing.

SUMMARY

No. of kidnap cases                                                                    -        13     

No. of suspected kidnappers arrested                                           -        22

No. of armed robbery cases                                                         -        3

No. of suspected armed robbers arrested                                      -        3

No. of cultism cases                                                                    -       

No. of suspected cultists arrested                                                 -       

No. of murder cases                                                                    -                 

No. of suspects arrested for murder                                              -       

No. of other cases                                                                       -        5       

No. of suspects arrested for other cases                                        -        9

No. of locally made guns recovered                                              -        6

No. of live cartridges recovered                                                    -        5

No. of expended cartridges recovered                                           -       

No. of rifle recovered                                                                  -       

No. of pump Action recovered                                                      -        1

No. of ammunition recovered                                                       -        2

No. of vehicles recovered                                                             -       

No. of motor-cycles recovered                                                     -       

LINGERING BOUNDARY DISPUTE AND CRISIS AMONGST AMAI/EZIOKPOR/EZIONUM/UMUEBU AND OBIARUKU COMMUNITIES:

Amai has lingering land dispute and concomitant crisis with her neigbours – the communities of Ezionum, Umuebu, Eziokpor and Obiaruku. These crises which have somewhat become an annual ritual especially at the commencement of every new farming season have resulted in loss of lives and mass destruction of properties. Expectedly, the Command has severally convened meetings to broker peace among these communities but our efforts so far amounted to pouring water on a hard rock. The communities have continued unabated in the act of kidnapping, abduction, murder and other unpardonable excesses in spite of the repeated appeals both from the security forces and the state government. Left with no other option, and in line with our earlier expressed warnings, the Command on 13/6/2017, at about 2pm, arraigned in court some of the arrow- heads of the crisis namely:

 1. Solomon Oguagwu Obiokolie ‘a’ aged 57yrs

2. Francis Enemoku ‘m’, aged 94yrs

3. Obiokolie Cyprian ‘m’, aged 42yrs

4. Sylvester Awaye ‘m’, aged 30yrs

5. Azuka Onochie ‘m’ aged. 48yrs

6. Aduye Joromi ‘m’, aged 49yrs

7. John Iwebenua ‘m’, aged 70yrs

8. Patrick Wepuaka ‘m’, aged 75yrs

9. Ignatius Menedo ‘m’ aged 50yrs

10 Isibor Augustine ‘m’ aged 62yrs

11 Nwabuwanne Ifeanyi  ‘m’ aged 62yrs

12 Anthony Uwelu ‘m’, aged 70yrs

13 Emeka Dike ‘m’ aged 29yrs. All of Egbodu-Aka community, Aniocha South L.G.A  Delta State.

ALADJA/OGBE-IJOH:  Following the recent outbreak of crisis between Ogbe-Ijoh and Aladja communities, the security agencies have sent in reinforcement in terms of manpower and logistic. The innocent public however should have no cause for alarm or apprehension of any kind as the deployment is tailored to augment existing security structures and to checkmate infiltration from all sides. Meanwhile, we implore all the trouble makers to lay down their arms, embrace peace or face severe consequences. 

IDUMUJE-UGBOKO: The hitherto quiet village of Idumuje-Ugboko was thrown into chaos and anarchy over issues that could easily have been resolved. It is gratifying to note  however that Idumuje-Ugboko is now relatively calm, thanks to the efforts of zone ‘5’ and Delta State Police Command. The Command is however reiterating its earlier calls on all the persons involved in the crisis to eschew violence and embrace dialogue towards a lasting and acceptable peace in the community.

EGBUDU-AKA: On 9/6/2017, at about 0600hrs, there was breach of the public peace at Egbudu-Aka. The police swiftly moved in and rescued the Obi of Egbudu-Aka, Obi Paul Esemeka ‘m’, his wife, Theresa Esemeka and one George Nmemuku ‘m’, whose houses had been set ablaze and who had been held hostage by some disgruntled youths led and sponsored by the brother of the Obi, one Solomon Obi Okoli. The Obi’s brother and nine others have been arrested and are undergoing interrogation.

          Meanwhile, normalcy has been restored to the community.

HERDSMEN/FARMERS CRISIS: The Command has been on its toes doing everything possible to ensure that rampant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in the state become history. The Command is aware that it is not the sedentary herdsmen that constitute the problem but the migrating and criminal elements amongst them. The Command hereby warns all criminals masquerading as herdsmen to leave the state or face severe consequences for their dastardly acts. I also implore all and sundry to avoid jungle justice, be vigilant and report any threat whatsoever in their areas promptly to security agencies. Let me reassure all Deltans that the Command does not, and will not, shield any criminal herdsmen from the full weight of the law for any reason.

CULTISM: The Special Anti-Cultism unit created by the Command to curtail the menace of cultism and other cult-related crimes is on course. A lot of successes have been recorded and cultism is on steady decline in the state. I call on parents, guardians, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders to use their God-given roles and opportunity to teach their children, wards, subjects and followers the dangers of cultism in order to discourage them from joining cult groups for any reason.

          Finally, I wish to reassure you all that officers and men of the Command have been put on their toes towards ensuring that the state continues to enjoy greater peace and security.

CP. ZANNA M. IBRAHIM, psc,

  COMMISSIONER OF POLICE,

DELTA STATE COMMAND.