The Delta State Police Command on Monday. September 1, paraded suspected armed robbers, car snatchers and drug trafficking syndicate in Ughelli after a major crackdown by officers and men of the Ughelli Area Command.
Briefing journalists during the parade of the suspects, the police image maker in the state, SP Bright Edafe, said the arrests underscore the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda’s determination to rid the state of criminals.
He said; “On August 25, 2025, operatives arrested three suspects – Henry Bernard m (35), Justice Ayero m (39), and Oho Ogbavwomera, all of Aladja Town in Udu LGA for robbing a motorcyclists at gunpoint. Their confessions led the police to the residence of Oluwa Felix of Ovwawha community in Ughelli South LGA, where a search uncovered a single-barrel gun, three torch lights, two hacksaws, scissors, a tiny dagger, and masking tape, all concealed in a black sack.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to being part of a gang that had terrorized communities by snatching motorcycles at gunpoint.
In a separate operation on August 29, 2025, police raided Afiesere community in Ughelli North LGA and arrested a suspected drug dealer, Mrs. Egbule Isioma (52), who runs a chemist shop opposite the town hall. She was arrested alongside three apprentices – Mercy John, Favour John, and Amarachi Ngozi.
Recovered from her residence on Edile Street, Afiesere, were 355 bottles of codeine syrup, 57 rolls of 50mg tramadol, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol, 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, 540 sachets of swinol capsules, 7 packs of backwoods, and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis.
When confronted before journalists, Mrs. Isioma insisted she was a licensed pharmacist, though she admitted selling the controlled substances.
“I am a pharmacist, and the drugs I sell are prescribed drugs. I don’t normally expose them; I keep them in my emergency box. The day they came, I was not around, and my staff were the ones they met,” she said.
However, when pressed on the legality of codeine syrup, she reluctantly admitted awareness of its ban.
“Yes, I am aware codeine is banned, but I use it to treat tuberculosis or strong cough, on doctors’ prescription. I buy them from a company in Lagos,” she confessed.
Police officers quickly dismissed her claims, pointing out the large stock of codeine and cannabis. SP Edafe Bright warned that her license may be revoked by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria for trafficking in banned substances.
On August 24, 2025, surveillance teams intercepted Igenebo John (35) of Etsako East, Edo State, at a hotel along Effurun–Sapele Road, as he attempted to sell two stolen vehicles – a white Lexus RX350 (Reg. No. RSH 319 CB) and a black Mercedes Benz GLK350 (Reg. No. ABJ 420 CY) – for ₦2 million each.
Upon interrogation, John confessed the vehicles were given to him by one Ameachi (surname unknown), who is now on the run. He claimed Ameachi told him they belonged to his late elder brother.
Further investigation revealed that the Lexus had been stolen from Mr. Nathaniel Ugbebe of Amukpe, Sapele, during a violent robbery on August 17, 2025. Armed men numbering about five stormed Ugbebe’s house, stole valuables including mobile phones, laptops, jewelry, a baby tab, and wedding rings, transferred ₦1.9 million from his account, and escaped with his Lexus RX350.
Another suspect, Samson Ugbe (43), of Isiokolo community, confessed to participating in multiple car theft operations using crude methods such as a jack and iron bar to break into vehicles.
Ugbe admitted that he and his gang stole a Spider car along Sapele Road after the Sapele roundabout, while another vehicle was taken in Benin. He denied killing anyone, insisting the gang only used mechanical tools to gain access to vehicles.
He further disclosed that the two locally made arms recovered from him belonged to the Eiye confraternity, a cult group he is affiliated. Ugbe also confessed to being involved in the burglary of a warehouse belonging to a House of Assembly member, where over 180 bags of rice were carted away after they broke through the wall with their tools.
SP Edafe Bright assured the public that investigations are ongoing to track down fleeing members of the syndicates, including the said Ameachi and other cult-linked criminals. He urged residents of Ughelli and environs to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies.