Police arrest kidnap kingpin, 24 suspected cultists in Delta

*Recover several arms, 82 round of ammunition
Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

The Delta Police Command has arrested three kidnap kingpins, and 24 suspected cultists in Sapele, Effurun in the state while it recovered several arms, 82 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

The Police Image Maker in the state, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka who confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement he signed, and issued, a copy made available to our reporter, stated that one Christian Jonathan Akpojotor, 30 years old, Bernard Umukoro (alias Omolomo) 25 years, and Peter Okon, 37 years were arrested on a tip-off by the Police Anti Kidnapping and Robbery of the command.

The statement explained that one Peter Emejemute Williams was driving in a Toyota Camry alongside a co-occupant by armed men who allegedly blocked him along Akwunakwi road Ughelli, and whisked him away in his vehicle to an unknown destination.

The statement further explained that the police acting on a tip-off, and intelligence gathered, effected the arrested of Christian Jonathan Akpojotor in whose possession the victim’s two phones were recovered adding that the suspect’s arrest of his gang members who confessed to be gang kingpins operating in Benin city, Edo State as well as the arrest of one Peter Okah who the suspects allegedly bought the victim’s Toyota Camry.

On robbery, the Police Command said that three suspects; Edejero Ureye, 32 years, Solomon Ureye 58 years, and Afferay Editor were arrested in the case of alleged robbery in Uzere, Isoko South Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Image Maker explained that sequel to the arrest of one Afferay Editor, 33 years old from Uzere community, a notorious suspect was allegedly involved in series armed robbery/kidnapping in the area, adding that 2 fabricated Ak 47 rifles, an Automated revolver, 2 single barrel rifles, 2 locally made pistols, 82 rounds of ammunition including a parcel containing cannabis sativa, Indian hemp, 4 mobile phones, and drilling machines/equipment used, locally made guns were recovered. On cultism, the police disclosed that 24 suspected members of the Eiye confraternity, some of whom, Joseph Okwuene 19 years, Onyenka Izudeka, 23 years, Awele Okafor 21 years, Maxwell Ligon, 26 years, Irorevil Sunday 20 years Igho Lucky 19 years, Ohworo Godwell 18 years, and Ajeronu Prosper 14 years, among others were arrested on a tip-off, adding that their arrest was made possible through intelligence gathering in Ughelli last Monday in their hideout.

The Police, therefore, added that the suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigation, and assured commitment of the command to ensure all forms of criminal activities are brought to book.