From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, of the Delta State Police Command, have arrested four suspected cultists and fraudsters in Warri, Delta State.
The suspects, alleged to be members of the Eiye Confraternity, were apprehended as the police command intensified efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, with the arrest of a suspected cultist, the recovery of firearms, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
Acting on credible intelligence, the police operatives, on June 29, stormed Yoruba Street in Sapele town where they arrested one Rasheed Atanda, a 31-year-old native of Irinle community in Kwara State but resident in Sapele town.
Giving details of the operation in a statement on Thursday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe said: “Preliminary investigation further led the operatives to arrest other suspects, including: Charles Oyowe, ‘m’ 36 yrs, native of Obeda, Warri North LGA of Delta State, in whose possession a Beretta pistol with three rounds of live ammunition was recovered.”
He disclosed that Rewane Ogbitse, 49 years old, native of Jakpa, Warri South LGA of Delta State, and Shedrack Oloko, 44 years old, native of Ethiope East LGA of Delta State were also arrested.
According to him, the suspects, who have all confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity, are currently in custody while investigation is ongoing.
Edafe also confirmed that in a separate operation by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), a Lexus 330 Jeep, earlier reported stolen during a case of armed robbery, was recovered on June 30.
“Sequel to the complaint received, it was gathered that the suspects, armed with dangerous weapons, invaded a residence in the early hours of the day, carting away expensive jewellery, mobile phones, and a Lexus 330 Jeep with registration number: RBC 656 CN.
“Following swift investigation and deployment of intelligence assets, the stolen vehicle was recovered around 06:35 at Uti Road, off DSC Expressway, Ebrumede. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.”
Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the operatives for their swift and coordinated response, noting that the success of these operations underscores the importance of timely and credible information from members of the public.
He emphasised that proactive community engagement and the prompt reporting of criminal activities significantly enhance the capacity of the police to respond effectively and forestall further crimes.