It was learnt the suspect who had reportedly been involved in a series of crimes in the area was also suspected to be a member of Eiye confraternity. He was arrested around 11:30 am on Saturday.
A 55-year-old suspected cultist and gunrunner, identified as Ufoma Omene has been arrested by security operatives on special assignment at Jesse junction in the Sapele area of Delta State.
It was learnt the suspect who had reportedly been involved in a series of crimes in the area was also suspected to be a member of Eiye confraternity. He was arrested around 11:30 am on Saturday.
The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Bright Edafe made this known in a statement on Monday, noting that a locally fabricated Ak-47 rifle and 13 rounds of 7.6mm ammunition were recovered from the suspect.
The statement reads in part, "On 08/06/2024, acting on credible intelligence at about 1130hrs, operatives on Special assignment with base in Ughelli led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed Jesse junction and effected the arrest of one Ufoma Omene ‘m’ 55yrs of Mosogar, in Ethiope West LGA Delta State but resident at Jesse junction area of Sapele town.
"Upon search of the suspect’s residence a locally fabricated Ak-47 rifle with Revolver like magazine, and thirteen (13) rounds of 7.6mm ammunition were recovered. In addition to his involvements in series of crime in that area, he is also suspected to be a member of Eiye confraternity. Investigation is ongoing.
"Similarly, acting on credible intelligence gathered on the activities of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers in Kwale axis, the Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda Olufemi directed the Commander Quick Response Squad to work discreetly on the intelligence.
"Acting on this directive, the Commander SP Osadolor Godwin on 8/06/2024 at about 1140hrs led surveillance team attached to Kwale Division and stormed their hideout in an uncompleted building where the two suspects upon sighting the police opened fire and escaped in the process.
“Three (3) locally made guns, two (2) pump action guns, one (1) AK 47 magazine, thirty-four (34) rounds of live cartridges, fifty-one (51) rounds AK 47 ammunition were recovered. Effort to arrest the fleeing suspects is ongoing.
"CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has assured all Deltans that under his watch, all law-abiding Deltans, residents and non-residents in the State will sleep with their two eyes closed while noting that support from members of the public is highly needed for effective policing.”
“The CP therefore admonished members of the public to always reach out to the command in cases of distress either by reporting to the nearest Police Station or call the control room number on 08036684974," the statement added.