From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Delta State Police Command has arrested a five-man gang that kidnapped a 70-year old woman and collected N7.9 million ransom before releasing her.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe disclosed this in a press statement yesterday .
According to him, “On September 12 at about 0130hrs, Crack Squad attached to the Area Command Ughelli, acting on a tip off, stormed a brothel cum criminal hideout in Ewu town, Ughelli South Local Government Area and arrested five suspects (names withheld).
“One single barrel gun, three locally made cut-to-size gun, N450,000 ransom, one Moniepoint POS machine, one OPAY POS machine, wraps of weed suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered.
“They confessed to various armed robbery/kidnapping operations in Ughelli and environs, including the kidnap of a 70-year-old woman who they kidnapped on September 8 and collected N7.9 million ransom on September 10 before her release.
“The suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, Edafe confirmed that on September 5, Anti-Crime Patrol Team of Aboh Division, while on a stop and search duty, intercepted one motorcycle conveying two occupants carrying a bag.
According to him, when the occupants were subjected to routine search, one of them took to his heels and escaped, while 930 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered in the bag. The other suspect, Anthony Godday was immediately arrested.
The spokesman explained that operatives of Agbarho Police Station, acting on credible information, stormed the residence of Ovoke Enaike, an indigene of Ovierie in Ethiope East Local Government Area, but resides in Ehwerhe Village in Agbarho.
During the search of his daylong motorcycle with reg no DTS XLEH 13 WL, a nylon bag containing one locally fabricated gun, one live cartridge and 38 rounds of AK47 rifle ammunition hidden under the motorcycle seat was recovered.
The suspect is in custody, while efforts are on top gear to arrest the remaining gang members and recover more arms.
