Police bust notorious church robbing syndicate in Delta, recover musical instruments and other items
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two members of a notorious thieves syndicate specializing in robbing churches in the state and stealing musical equipment.
Spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, December 3, 2023, said the suspects, Patrick Emete and Alex Uwagbafor, were arrested by operatives of the Orerokpe police station after robbing the Church Redeemed Christian of God in the area.
According to PPRO, the suspects, also specialized in breaking into homes and stores, took with them several church instruments, speakers, three generator sets, fifteen large mixing amplifiers, four keyboards, twelve power amplifiers, a complete battery, among others. items.
“The Orerokpe Divisional Police Headquarters of the Delta State Police Command has arrested two suspects for their infamous series of church break-ins in Delta State. The police received information on 11/17/2023, around 4 pm, about a break-in at the Redeem Christian Church of God, also known as “Dominion Mega”, where several church musical instruments were taken away from the church,” said the communicated.
“Following the report, the DPO Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware, quickly mobilized and led his officers to assess the crime scene. Thereafter, an operation was planned and executed based on the items that were transported.
“Consequently, on 19/11/23, Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen amplifiers for sale on his Facebook page. Immediately detectives offered to purchase the said item, lured and followed the suspect to Effurun roundabout where he was detained around 1:04 pm on the same date.
“Following the confession of the arrested suspect aged 36, 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 robbing churches, stores and homes. Items recovered from the suspects are twenty large speakers; three generator sets; fifteen large mixing amplifiers; four keyboards; twelve power; ten industrial standing fans; a complete battery; a guitar; a power microphone; two standing freezers; two plasma televisions; two home theaters; a washing machine; three stabilizers; three hand saws; a cutter; a microwave; a small oven; and a gas cylinder.
“Following the ongoing investigation, a cleric (name withheld) also alleged that his church was robbed. On 30/11/23, at around 4:32 pm, after interrogation, the suspects admitted and led officers to Eburu Warri Street, where more stolen items were recovered.
“These items include eleven large speakers; five professional power amplifiers; six professional mixers; a Serato DJ deck; a Pioneer DJ deck; a plasma TV; four large generators; a tankless generator; a power microphone set ; a projector; two sets of English mini batteries and a large stabilizer.
“Meanwhile, frantic efforts are underway to recover more stolen items. The suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted appropriately upon completion of the investigation.
“As we approach the festivities of the year, CP Abass wishes to dispel any notion that seeks to cast doubt on the work of the command’s effectiveness in eradicating crime in Delta State. men during the festivities and beyond.
“Finally, he again asks for the public’s support in combating crime in the region. In this regard, credible information can be shared with the police through the nearest police station or the Police Public Relations Office.”
Source: www.lindaikejisblog.com