Delta State Police Command have arrested an armed robbery syndicate that specialises in breaking into churches to steal valuables.
The state police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a signed statement on Wednesday, announced the arrest of the gang members, Emmanuel Emiowor and Noah Philip, who are now custody.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Edafe said,
“Following complaints received from concerned residents on the activities of a syndicate that attacks churches at night, and cart away church instruments and other items, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed Divisional Police Officers to embark on an intelligence-led investigation and ensure that the suspects are rounded up, arrested and brought to book.”
Emiowor, aged 21, and Philip, aged 20, both residents of PTI Road, Effurun, in Udu Local Government Area of the state, were arrested on Tuesday, 16 September, in a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna Space Van with registration number EFR-150-XB.
They were intercepted by police operatives from the Ogwashi-Uku Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Israel Okomoyon, in collaboration with local vigilantes.
The suspects were apprehended after the Command received a call about the imminent armed attack on several churches.
“Responding swiftly, patrol teams from the Ogwashi-Uku Division, working closely with local vigilantes, led by the DPO, CSP Israel Okomoyon, intercepted a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna Space Van, Reg. no: EFR-150-XB, with two occupants identified as Emmanuel Emiowor ‘m’ (21yrs) of PTI Road, Warri, and Noah Philip ‘m’ (20yrs) of PTI Road, Warri.
“A search of the suspects and the vehicle yielded the following exhibits: One Pump Action Gun, Three Single Barrel Locally Made Guns, One Locally Fabricated Revolver Gun, One Live Cartridge, One Iron Rod (used in breaking church doors).
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a syndicate that specialises in attacking churches.”
The police spokesman disclosed that some looted properties have already been recovered from the gangsters, while both suspects, along with the exhibits, are in custody.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has reaffirmed the unwavering determination of the command to rid the state of criminal elements.
The CP stated that “the State will never be allowed to become a safe haven for crime.
He also reassure that the Command will continue to pursue offenders and dismantle their networks.
