Metro

Delta Police Arrest Eight Suspected Kidnappers

Published

2 years ago

November 30, 2023

Men of the Delta State Police Command, in a decoy operation, arrested eight members of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Oghara, Sapele, Warri, and environs.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Edafe Bright, and posted on its official X handle on Thursday.

According to the statement, upon receipt of an information about a 43-year-old woman who was adbducted and paid N2m ransom for her release, the Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, directed officers in the decoy squad to utilise all technically generated intelligence to get the perpetrators.

The statement read, “The command received information relating to the kidnap of a 43-year-old woman (name withheld), who was kidnapped by a syndicate of armed men in a tricycle along Shell Road Sapele on November 19, 2023, at about 2100hrs, while driving in her ML-350 Mercedez Benz.

“The victim was taken in her vehicle, until the vehicle ran out of fuel, they moved her into their operational tricycle. She was released on November 22, 2023 upon payment of N2m ransom.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, detailed operatives of CP – Decoy Squad, led by the commander, ASP Julius Robinson, directing that they utilise all technically generated intelligence to get the perpetrators of the act.

“Consequently, on November 25, 2023, the team embarked on a sting operation assisted by the DPO Sapele which led to the arrest of the syndicate’s gang leader, Morrison Godwin, a 41-year-old male suspect from Okpara Water Side Community in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State at Amukpe Area of Sapele Town at about 1100hrs of the same date.

“The suspect confessed to the crime and revealed an intended meeting with other gang members on to strategise on another kidnapping operation.

“Armed with this information, the team laid an ambush at their meeting point on November 27, 2023 and arrested the other gang members viz: Raymond Etchie ‘m’ 46yrs who negotiated and received the said ransom; Felix Okoro ‘m’ 40yrs who is one of the syndicate’s operational driver; Oghene Ogaga Sylvester ‘m’ 45yrs who guarded the victim; Henry Edeki ‘m’ 35yrs, Ominike Sunday ‘m’ 23yrs, Jerusalem Sunday ‘m’ 35yrs, and Theophilus Akpofi “m” 29yrs.”

The statement added that all the suspects confessed to the crime admitting their various roles and have been identified by the victim.

During interrogation, the suspects further disclosed the location of the victim’s vehicle which was later recovered at Oghara Town, and effort is being intensified to recover the syndicate’s operational weapons.

The state Commissioner of Police applauded the decoy squad for their diligence that resulted in the arrest of the kidnappers.

He also assured the public that more achievements are on the way, as the command is out to ensure the collective safety of the people of Delta State.

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

20 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

22 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.