The Delta State Police Command has arrested over 30 suspects involved in crimes such as robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and murder while recovering 150 weapons, including 32 AK-47 rifles. These developments were revealed by the state Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, during a press briefing on Tuesday at the command’s headquarters in Asaba.
Among the cases highlighted was the heartbreaking death of a 10-month-old baby, Prevail Jonathan, who was reported missing on December 4, 2024. Investigations led to the baby’s mother, Blessing Ibuku, who confessed to throwing the child into the Aviara community river on November 31, 2024. She attributed her actions to being mocked by friends for having a fatherless child. Ibuku is currently in custody, and further investigations are ongoing.
Another key operation occurred on November 27, 2024, when officers responded to a distress call about a kidnapping incident on DLA Road in Asaba. Four armed men abducted two individuals and stole a Toyota Camry. Police tracked the suspects to the Asaba-Benin Expressway, where the assailants abandoned their vehicle and fled. Recovered from the vehicle were an AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, ammunition, and live cartridges.
In a separate operation on December 2, 2024, law enforcement raided a criminal hideout behind Anioma Market in Asaba. Ten suspects linked to a series of robberies were apprehended, and several arms were seized.
Another chilling incident involved the arrest of Destiny Lawrence, who admitted to being hired by a native doctor to kidnap a young boy for N30,000. Lawrence lured the victim to an uncompleted building, where the boy was killed. The native doctor remains at large as investigations continue.
CP Olufemi reported that within the review period, the command had arrested 678 suspects and confiscated a significant cache of weapons, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles. He reaffirmed the police’s dedication to public safety and urged residents to collaborate with law enforcement by providing actionable intelligence.
“These successes reflect our commitment to fighting crime and protecting the lives of Delta residents,” Olufemi said, calling for continued public support in combating criminal activities.
