‘Kidnappers’ held in police raid of gun factory in Delta

Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

THE Delta State police command has arrested 82 suspects for armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, assassination, cultism,  and vandalism, among others.

Police Commissioner, Hafiz Inuwa who spoke with reporters yesterday in Asaba, the state capital, said the police, acting on intelligence, trailed and arrested a suspect, Longlife Ebi Ernest, an alleged member of a kidnap gang responsible for the abduction of 18 expatriates in Escravos last December.

Inuwa said the suspect led the police to Ughelli where another gang member Seiyemefa Karibo was apprehended, adding that the duo have confessed to their complicity in the crime.

Inuwa also said a female youth corps member posted to Grace Life International School, Ogharaefe, Ethiope West L.G.A was allegedly raped by the proprietor of the school.

He said the proprietor, Michael Anigholor, has been charged to court.

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The police boss said Bishop Ernest Beasley, a 39-year-old, was shot and killed by unknown armed men in Asaba and his phone taken away.

He said investigation led to the arrest of four suspects namely Ifeanyi Igweike,Yusuf Mohammed, Isah Mohammed Lawal and Abdullahi Abdurahamam and the recovery of the deceased’s phone.

Inuwa said police operatives based on information raided and arrested five suspects on suspicion of peddling cocaine.

He listed the suspects to include Arinze Ibenezim, an indigene of Rivers State and the gang leader.

Others arrested include Chiamaka Ibenezim, 25, Uchenna Azubuike, 28, Innocent Chiweke, 30, and Ibe Nwosu, 29.

Inuwa said Ezekiel Idoghor and his son, Prosper Idoghor, were arrested at Ibesiga community in Patani council for running an illegal gun manufacturing factory in a forest.

Five single barrel guns and one locally made pistol with two cartridges were recovered, the police said.

Inuwa said the arrest of two notorious robbers led to the discovery of the gun manufacturing factory.