Police rescue woman allegedly held hostage in Delta

Delta Police Command has rescued a 25-year-old woman allegedly assaulted and held hostage at Usiefrun Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state, arresting a 29-year-old suspect in connection with the incident.

The suspect, identified as Brotugbare Francis Onome, was arrested by operatives of the Otu-Jeremi Division following credible intelligence on the alleged assault and hostage situation.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operatives mobilised to the area, rescued the victim and arrested the suspect.

A search of the suspect’s premises also led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol, one magazine and two rounds of live ammunition, the statement said.

In a related development, the police arrested two suspects, Ezekiel Sunday Izomor and Emmanuel Ogaganefe, in connection with the alleged cult-related killing of a 25-year-old man identified as Godfrey at Jesse Main Market in Ethiope West Local Government Area on March 24, 2026.

The suspects were arrested on Independence Day by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCR), who stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Oghara.

The operation also led to the recovery of one battle axe, four cutlasses and one hammer.

The police said preliminary investigation indicated that a fleeing suspect, identified as Collins, allegedly wanted to become the leader of the Aro Bagger confraternity and was required to kill a rival cult member to achieve his ambition.

The statement said Collins allegedly connived with the two arrested suspects and another suspect identified as Richman, who was described as a close friend of the deceased.

“The said Collins connived with the two suspects and one, Richman, who is a very close friend to the victim, Godfrey.

“Richman and Collins are at large but effort to arrest them is on top gear. The suspects are in custody assisting with investigation,” the statement added.

Similarly, operatives of the Abraka Division, in collaboration with civilian anti-cult operatives, arrested two men identified as 37-year-old Endurance Akpade and 43-year-old Edwin Friday Morgan.

The suspects were arrested over alleged conspiracy to kidnap a woman in the area on Independence Day, the police said.

The command said investigations into the various cases were ongoing.