Delta couple arrested for gun running, wife admits to dispatching firearms

From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri

A couple, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Bogbon Godwell, have been arrested by operatives of the Delta CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) for alleged gun running in the state.

The couple was picked up from their home following a sting operation by police detectives on March 9, 2025.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed this in a statement on Thursday, said that they were held following credible intelligence on them at their residence in Okpe Local Government Area of the state.

Mrs. Uche Joshua, the wife, was said to have admitted to helping her husband dispatch guns to clients in Warri and Sapele.

The police said they recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol with a single live ammunition, which was planned to be delivered to a client in Sapele, from their residence.

During interrogation, Mrs. Joshua confessed to her involvement in the gun-running business, saying, “I helped my husband dispatch guns to clients in Warri and Sapele. I was the one who delivered the guns to the clients.”

Edafe said that police are still investigating the couple and their associates, with efforts to recover more firearms and arrest other suspects.

Equally, on February 3, 2025, operatives arrested a suspected cultist and gun runner, Stephen Oma Odu, who has been on the wanted list, from Obagho community in Warri North LGA, Delta State, at Sapele town.

His arrest also led to the arrest of another 42-year-old suspected cultist, Abel Festus, aka “Tompolo,” of Oghareki community in Ethiope West LGA, at Oghara town.

Two pump action guns and 24 rounds of live cartridges were recovered from Festus’ apartment.

“Two other suspected cultists were also arrested during the raid, including Godspower Moses, aka ‘Power,’ of Kokori community in Ethiope East LGA, Delta State, and Oloriode Owebe, 24 years, of Oghareki community in Ethiope West LGA, Delta State,” Edafe added.

Police say preliminary investigations revealed that they were suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity.

Additionally, CP-SAT arrested 26-year-old Oboyo, a notorious cultist and suspected kidnapper from Igbopa community in Ethiope West LGA, and recovered a locally made gun with a single cartridge.

According to Edafe, an “FBI” impersonation enlargement carrying his picture was also recovered, which he used for internet fraud.

“Other members of his gang, which include Favor Omowo, 29 years, aka ‘Voltage,’ of Jesse town in Ethiope West LGA, Delta State, and Gift Omowo, 26 years, of Jesse community in Ethiope West LGA, Delta State, were also arrested.

“Trailing of his other fleeing gang members is ongoing, while investigation continues,” the statement added.