…Arrest 180 Suspected Internet Fraudsters, in Coordinated Crackdown
As the Delta Police Command intensify efforts towards intelligence-led operations and proactive policing, the command has recorded significant operational success in dismantling a high-profile criminal syndicate with cross-border operations across Delta and Edo States.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Delta State Command, Asaba, SP. Bright Edafe, dated 24th July, 2025, says the move is in compliance with the directives of the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.
According to the statement, In the early hours of July 19, 2025, the operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested one Peter Benson, a 35-year-old male suspect of Kwale in Ndokwa East LGA, Delta State, and a suspected spiritual herbalist responsible for ritual preparations for the criminal gang.
The statement said the arrest is sequel to a series of intelligence reports received on the planned abduction of several high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and their environs, by a notorious syndicate under the leadership of one Owei Abebo, alias “ADUSA”, who has been on the Command’s Watch-list since 2021,
It stated that following intensive interrogation, Peter Benson led operatives to another 63 year old suspect from Ajakorama Community, Ovia South-West LGA, Edo State, Joseph Saniyo,
The statement said “Saniyo, identified as the syndicate’s primary spiritualist, was found in possession of three live tortoises and other fetish items believed to be used in criminal fortification rituals”.
”Acting swiftly on further intelligence provided by the arrested suspects, operatives stormed Oghara and successfully apprehended the ring leader, Owei Abebo a.k.a “Adusa”, aged 42, along with the following male accomplices: Ebi Maye, 41 years, from Poloborbor Community in Warri North LGA, Delta State; and Happy Obegha, 39 years, of Aakoroma Community, Ovia North-East LGA, Edo State.
”During a thorough search of the suspect’s hideouts, the operatives recovered two hundred and forty-seven (247) rounds of live ammunition for a Submachine Gun (SMG) rifle. Preliminary investigation revealed that their latest plot involved planned coordinated kidnappings across Sapele and Oghara which was successfully foiled after their arrest”, the statement added.
Similarly , the State Police command in a combined effort with the Nigeria Army has recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against internet fraud and other cyber-related offences, as 184 suspected internet fraudsters have been arrested.
The PPRO Delta State Command, Sp Bright Edafe in a statement said, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Ekpan Division, in a combined effort with the Nigeria Army, had on July 21, 2025 at about 1745hrs, carried out a coordinated raid on a location within Post Housing Estate, Effurun, where suspected internet fraud and terrorism financing activities were taking place.
The statement said the operation resulted in the arrest of a 33 year old man, Kelvin Odini, and 183 others engaged in online fraud-related activities.
It listed Items recovered from the suspects to include: Two hundred and seventy-three (273) assorted laptops, Ninety-seven (97) assorted smartphones, One (1) iPad, one (1) table phone, Nine (9) laptop chargers, and Two (2) Wi-Fi routers.
The command confirmed that all suspects and exhibits have been taken into custody and investigations were ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has commended the gallant officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, bravery, and swift response to credible intelligence.
” He reiterates the command’s readiness to intensify intelligence operations, surveillance, and community engagement to ensure that Delta State remains uninhabitable for criminal syndicates and individuals engaged in activities inimical to peace and development”, the statement concluded.
NIM
