The Delta State Police Command has arrested some suspects for alleged cultism, kidnapping and armed robbery in the Sapele and Oghara areas of the state.

The command’s public relations officer, Bright Edafe, in a press release on Monday, disclosed that the Sapele division arrested the suspects in Oghara town and recovered arms and ammunition from them.

Mr Edafe said the state commissioner of police, Olufemi Abanikonda, directed the DPOs of the Oghara and Sapele divisions to conduct operations following criminal activities in the areas.

“The team led by ASP Julius Robinson on 18/07/2024, at about 0930hrs in a covert intelligence-led operation, raided three different syndicates of cultists/suspected armed robbers at various locations in Oghara town, Ethiope East LGA of Delta State, and effected the arrest of five (5) suspects,” Mr Edafe revealed.

He said the suspects include “Ochuko Joel Ofoye ‘m’ 35yrs of Jeddo community in Okpe LGA Delta State, a member of Juris Confraternity and Michael Anwul ‘m’ aged 29yrs of Alisimie community Agbor, in Ika South LGA Delta State of Juris confraternity and custodian of arms in whose possession two(2) AK 47 Magazines and twenty-nine (29) rounds of live ammunition were recovered.”

“Other suspects include Great Ojareri ‘m’ 35 yrs of Oghareki community in Ethiope West LGA Oghara Delta State, a member of Eiye Confraternity also a custodian of arms; and Innocent Esefeta “m” aged 31 yrs, of Efisere community in Ughelli North LGA Delta State, resident at behind Ibori Road Oghara Delta State, investigation revealed that he is the owner of the recovered Beretta pistol.

“Lastly, Ogaga Ebuke ‘m’ 27yrs of Okpe community in Orerokpe LGA Delta State, a resident of Western Delta Road in Oghara, Delta State and member of Juris Confraternity, and a locally made pistol with one live cartridge concealed in a shoe was recovered from his resident,” he stated.

He stated that the suspects are in police custody while the investigation is ongoing.