DELTA POLICE ARREST COUPLE OVER GUNRUNNING, RECOVER FIREARMS AND ARREST SYNDICATE MEMBERS

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Operatives from the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a couple, Joshua Bogbon Godwell and his wife, Uche Joshua, in Okpe Local Government Area, in connection with gunrunning activities.

Acting on reliable intelligence, police officers raided their residence on March 9, 2025, at approximately 2:30 pm, and recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, along with a live round intended for delivery to a client in Sapele.

Confirming the arrest on Thursday, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated, “Following a well-coordinated sting operation, our officers apprehended the couple in Okpe LGA and seized a locally fabricated Beretta pistol from their possession. The wife, Uche Joshua, admitted to acting as a dispatcher of illegal arms for her husband.”

Uche Joshua confessed that she had delivered several arms to various clients in Warri and Sapele as instructed by her husband.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Junior Moses Ogedegbe, 30, from Useifurun community, Ughelli South LGA, who is suspected to be a member of the gunrunning syndicate.

“Our operatives are intensifying efforts to recover more firearms and apprehend other members of the gang,” Edafe added.

In a separate operation, CP-SAT operatives arrested suspected cultists and armed robbers across different locations in the state, recovering two pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, a cut-to-size gun, and 24 live cartridges.

Edafe disclosed, “On February 3, 2025, at about 1:45 pm, operatives arrested a wanted cultist and gunrunner, Stephen Oma Odu, 25, from Obagho community, Warri North LGA, in Sapele town. His confession led to the arrest of Abel Festus, aka Tompolo, 42, from Oghareki community, Ethiope West LGA.”

A search of Festus’ residence uncovered two pump-action guns and 24 live cartridges. Two additional suspected cultists, Godspower Moses (also known as Power) and Oloriode Owebe, 24, were apprehended during the raid.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Vikings Confraternity, with further investigations ongoing.

In another operation, CP-SAT operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper and internet fraudster in Mosogar and its surrounding areas, recovering a cut-to-size gun.

Edafe explained, “On March 9, 2025, at about 6:30 am, our officers raided Jesse and Mosogar towns, leading to the arrest of Festus Oboyo, 26, from Igbopa community, Ethiope West LGA. A search of his residence uncovered a locally made gun with a single cartridge and an FBI impersonation document bearing his photo, which he allegedly used for online fraud.”

Further investigations led to the arrest of two accomplices, Favor Omowo (29) from Jesse town and Gift Omowo (26) from Jesse community.

“The pursuit of other fleeing gang members continues, and we remain committed to bringing all criminal elements to justice,” Edafe said.