By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has arrested a syndicate of suspected armed robbers and fraudsters said to be behind a series of robberies, fraud cases, and thefts across Delta and parts of Edo State, recovering stolen vehicles, iPhones, and other exhibits worth millions of naira.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said the arrests were made by operatives of the CP’s Special Assignment Team between August 11 and 16, 2025, following credible intelligence.
According to him, the suspects, identified as Ibrukoko (32), Obruche Actor (31), Lucky Umukoro (28), Emmanuel Buruutu (22), Musa Abdulahi (27), Sokoh (30), Preye Julius (36), and Kadija Abass (30), allegedly operated by pretending to seek directions before hypnotising unsuspecting victims and dispossessing them of their valuables, including phones, motorcycles, jewellery, and even siphoning money from their bank accounts.
Items recovered from the suspects include two Toyota Camry cars with registration numbers LND-809-HE and KSF-61-JU, as well as 16 suspected stolen iPhones. Preliminary investigations revealed that the gang had stolen about 42 motorcycles (lady bikes) and defrauded at least 12 victims of over ₦23.5 million.
“The suspects operate within Warri, Ughelli, and other parts of Delta and Edo states. They are currently in custody, and investigation is ongoing,” SP Bright stated.
In a separate operation, operatives attached to Ekpan Police Division cracked a syndicate behind the theft of industrial ladders. Acting on complaints from multiple victims, police arrested Esquire Stanley, who confessed to selling each stolen ladder for ₦20,000, despite their market value of about ₦250,000.
Further investigation led to the arrest of four alleged receivers, Chinedu Okorie, Orgi Abara, Philip Augustine, and Obone Jevweu. A total of 11 stolen ladders were recovered, while 10 suspects linked to the case remain in custody.
The Command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to dismantle more criminal networks in the state.
