*Over 180 suspected internet fraudsters arrested
*Recovers two hundred and forty-seven rounds of SMG rifle live ammunition
By Matthias Ogbagah
UGHELLI – In line with the marching orders handed down to him (ASP Julius Robinson) by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, the operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson recently busted a kidnapping gang led by a notorious syndicate, Owei Abebo, alias “ADUSA”, and foiled their planned attack and abduction of several high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and their environs.
The Delta State police command image maker, SP Bright Edafe disclosed in a press release made available to newsmen in the state.
According to the press release, the operatives of the CP-SAT on July 19, 2025, arrested one Peter Benson, a 35-year-old from Kwale in Ndokwa LGA, Delta State suspected to be a spiritual herbalist who prepares charms for the criminal gangs.
The Press Release discloses further that, following an intensive interrogation, Peter Benson led the operatives of the CP-SAT to another suspect, one Mr. Joseph Saniyo, 63 years old, of Ajakorama community from Ovia South-West LGA, in Edo State.
Saniyo, who was 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 on confessional statements by the duo of suspects, the operatives stormed Oghara. They successfully apprehended the ring leader, Owei Abebo a.k.a “Adusa”, aged 42, who has been on the Command’s Watch-list since 2021 alongside Ebi Maye, 41 years, from Poloborbor Community in Warri North LGA, Delta State; and Happy Obegha, 39 years, of Aakoroma Community, Ovia North-East local government area of 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.
In a related development, the command in conjunction with the Nigerian Army on July 21, 2025, at about 17:45 hours, operatives of Ekpan Division acting on credible intelligence carried out a coordinated raid on a location within Post Housing Estate, Effurun, where suspected internet fraud and terrorism financing activities were taking place.
During the operation one Kelvin Odini, aged 33 years, and one hundred and eighty-three (183) others engaged in online fraud-related activities. Items recovered from the suspects 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.
All suspects and exhibits have been taken into custody as investigations intensify to unravel the extent of their operations and apprehend other accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commends the gallant officers involved in these 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.
