Two members of a suspected robbery syndicate, who usually invade churches in the dead of the night to steal items, have been arrested by operatives of Orerokpe Divisional in Delta State Police Command.
This was confirmed by the police spokesman in the state, DSP Bright Edafe, on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
The arrested suspects, identified as Patrick Emete and Alex Uwagbafor, were said to have been involved in strings of church break-ins in the state.
According to the PPRO, on November 17, at about 4pm, the police division received information about a break-in at Redeemed Christian Church of God, a.k.a Dominion Mega, from where several church musical instruments were carted away.
“Sequel to the report, the Divisional Police Officer, Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware swiftly mobilized and led his operatives to assess the scene of the crime.
“Afterwards, an operation was planned and executed on the strength of the items that were carted away.
“Consequently, on 19/11/23, Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen amplifiers for sale on his Facebook page. Immediately detectives offered to buy the said item, lured and trailed the suspect to Effurun Roundabout, where he was apprehended at about 1304hrs (1:04pm) of the same date.
“Following the confession of the 36-year-old apprehended suspect, Patrick Emete of Ughoton Community, one of his associates, Alex Uwagbafor, aged 45, of New Era Clinic Deco Road, Warri, was also arrested.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that these suspects are notorious and unrepentant thieves who specialize in burgling churches, shops, and homes.”
Items recovered from suspects include 20 big loudspeakers, three power generating sets, 15 large amplifiers, four keyboards, 12 power amplifiers; 10 industrial standing fans, a complete drum set, a guitar, a power microphone, two standing freezers and two plasma televisions.
Others were two home theatres a washing machine three stabilizers, three handsaws, a clipper, a microwave oven, a small oven and a gas cylinder.
During the investigation, Thenewsbearer learnt that a clergyman (name withheld) also alleged that his church was burgled.
“Upon questioning, the suspects admitted carrying out the operation and led the operatives to Eburu Street, Warri, where more stolen items were recovered.
“These items include 11 big loudspeakers, five professional power amplifiers, six professional mixers, one Serato DJ deck, one Pioneer DJ deck, one plasma TV, four big generators, one generator without a tank, one power microphone set, one projector, two sets of English mini drums and one big stabilizer,” Edafe further stated.
He disclosed that frantic efforts were ongoing to recover more stolen items while the suspects would be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigation.
In his comment, the Commissioner of Police in Delta, Wale Abass, lauded the arrest of the suspects, while he called for the support of the public in fighting crime within the state.
As the Yuletide also approaches, CP Abass dispelled the cast of doubts on the command’s effectiveness in eradicating crime.
He assured that efforts were in top gear to boost and enhance the operatives’ effectiveness during the festivities and beyond.
The police boss sought for credible information to be shared with the police through the nearest police station or the office of the Police Public Relations Office.
