Police arrest suspected cultists, armed robbers in Delta

Delta State Police Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) has apprehended multiple suspected cultists, armed robbers, and a gun-running syndicate in a series of operations across the state.

The raids, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Delta Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, in a Thursday statement, led to the recovery of firearms, including pump-action guns, a fabricated Beretta pistol, a cut-to-size gun, and ammunition.

“Acting on credible intelligence, CP-SAT operatives arrested a suspected cultist and gunrunner, Stephen Oma Odu, 25, of Obagho Community in Warri North Local Government Area (LGA), on 3rd February 2025 in Sapele.

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“Following his confession, officers apprehended another suspected cultist, Abel Festus, also known as “Tompolo,” 42, in Oghara town.

“A search of his apartment led to the recovery of two pump-action guns and 24 rounds of live cartridges.

“Further investigations resulted in the arrest of two additional suspected cultists, Godspower Moses, also known as “Power,” of Kokori Community in Ethiope West LGA, and Oloriode Owebe, 24, of Oghareki Community.

“Preliminary findings suggest all four suspects are members of the Vikings Confraternity.

“In a separate operation on 9th March 2025, at about 2:30 pm, CP-SAT operatives raided the residence of a couple, Mr and Mrs Joshua Bogbon Godwell, in Okpe LGA.

“During the operation, a fabricated Beretta pistol with a single live round was recovered, reportedly intended for delivery to a client in Sapele.

“Mrs Uche Joshua, the suspect’s wife, confessed to acting as a dispatcher for illegal arms transactions on behalf of her husband.

“She admitted to delivering multiple firearms to clients in Warri and Sapele.

“Further investigations led to the arrest of another gang member, Junior Moses Ogedegbe, 30, of Useifurun Community in Ughelli South LGA.

“Efforts are ongoing to recover more weapons and apprehend additional suspects.

“On the same day, at about 6:30 am, CP-SAT operatives carried out a targeted operation in Jesse and Mosogar towns to crack down on cult-related kidnappings and armed robberies.

“They arrested Festus Oboyo, 26, of Igbopa Community in Ethiope West LGA, a suspected kidnapper and internet fraudster.

“Officers recovered a locally made gun with a single cartridge from his possession.

“During a search of Oboyo’s apartment, police discovered an ‘FBI impersonation enlargement’ with his picture, allegedly used for fraudulent activities.

“Two other gang members, Favour Omowo, 29, also known as “Voltage,” and Gift Omowo, 26, both of Jesse Community in Ethiope West LGA, were also apprehended,” the statement read.

Edafe confirmed that investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing suspects and dismantle criminal networks across the state.

The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies as efforts continue to curb cultism, kidnapping, and illegal arms proliferation in Delta State.