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Onitsha Communities Protest Government illegal acquisition of their land

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Onitsha Communities Protest Government illegal acquisition of their land

By: Oby Edward[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he people of Umuezeroli Community in Onitsha of Anambra State cried to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and the general public over the illegal and forceful acquisition of their Community land without notice by the Anambra state Deputy Governor,Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim. Chairman of Umuezeroli Community, Chief Okechukwu Chukwudebe, Ajie of Onitsha, said that the illegal purported acquisition of their land by the Anambra Deputy Governor ,Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim without any negotiation/ agreement with the natives, the purported acquisition is suspicious and fraudulent. The protesting Community appeal to the state governor, Charles Soludo to urgently intervene to avoid breakdown of law and order in the community. The villagers made their concerns known during the protest in Onitsha, during which they also alleged that Anambra Deputy Governor,

Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim and some influential individuals, as parts of those trespassing into their communal lands. The protesting Community also allegedly accused the Anambra government that after the saga with the His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and the governor as regards the traditional ruling council, he suspended a couple of traditional rulers. The unforgiving Governor has found a way to punish the obi of Onitsha and the entire Onitsha Community by instructing Dr Ibezim to go after the land in Onitsha,without due consultation by fronting a fictitious water scheme. The Deputy Governor commenced the assignment by forcefully ejecting the owners of the land the Umuezeroli with government security agencies thugs and other security forces. The said land was leased to Innoson in 2021 for development in other to create jobs and other economic benefits that a project of it’s kind would offer.I have never seen where a government acquires a community land without the knowledge of the natives.” The Umuezeroli Community are still surprised that our action Governor Prof. Soludo who was quick to suspend the Igwe of Neni over the conferment of title to Senator Ifeanyi Uba has turned blind eye over this unlawful action and intimidations of our Community by his Deputy Governor, one of the government official at the state Ministry of Lands who spoke on the condition of anonymity believes that for our action Governor Soludo to condone this ABUSE OF POWER by Dr Ibezim is likened to Essau the voice of Jacob.

The Umuezeroli land in question has been leased to Innoson Group Ltd. since 2021 for trucking and trailer. The said land is not a buffer zone because the the land belongs to Umuezeroli Community of Onitsha and for the records the said land is the bonafide property of Umuezeroli having won the people of Isiokwe village at the High Court in 1972, Appeal Court in 1977,and Supreme Court in 1982. The said land was never acquired by government from Umueezeroli as claimed.

Addressing journalists at Onitsha, the Chairman of Umuezeroli Community, Chief Okechukwu Chukwudebe,Ajie of Onitsha lamented that the Deputy governor was bent on ceding their land to his allies, regretting that the deputy governor had acted defiantly to courts JUDGEMENTS on the issue and other series of petitions written by the communities.He said rather than suspend action on the “illegal acquisition” the Deputy governor had deployed bulldozers to destroy crops and other economic trees on their land.Chukwudebe also accused the Deputy governor of being insensitive through constant harassment and intimidation of the said communities with law enforcement agencies; police, civil defence and vigilante groups.

He stressed that the communities would not relent on the matter until the Deputy Governor removed himself from their land. “Today, the community supported by the Onitsha General Assembly,Onitsha Women Prayers Group, a global charity with headquarters in Belgium and the United Kingdom, the Nature Conservation Observance of the United States of America and indigenes of our communities at home and in the diasporas, are intensely opposed to the movement of bulldozers by the Anambra State Government and its proxy companies to our remaining ancestral land.

“Deputy Governor Ibezim is insistent on grabbing, bulldozing and replacing our biodiversity rich lands to his almighty business friends and owners of the local multinational companies, this means robbing our poor of the poor to pay his superbly rich associates.
“After months of arm twisting, blackmail and intimidation of our poor villagers with heavily armed policemen, soldiers, civil defence corps and other security men, the public machinery of the state has finally been deployed with the bringing of the bulldozers for the forced possession, cruel destruction of the forest biodiversity, our farmlands and livelihood.

“This is despite that our various communities and organizations had severally briefed and wrote petitions to the state government that its ceding of our remaining reserve land is an illegal act that would dispossess, impoverish and destroy our communities and people.
“Our youths particularly, depend on the land for farming and source of foods, logging, medicine, harvest of non timber forest products, ancestral worship, environmental replenishment and source of water.
“Ibezim and his company allies, with the bulldozing of our ancestral forest and crops, have ignored with impunity the court case already won by our community.
“Sadly, the movement of bulldozers to our community is provocative, misplaced, ill-timed and a barefaced excuse to kill and maim our people, should they object to the destruction of our community.

“How can a state government acquire a community’s land without any negotiations/ agreement with the natives who are the principal land owners?
We the Umuezeroli Community are seeking the intervention of the appropriate authority, particularly, the state governor, Prof Charles Soludo to call Deputy Governor,Dr. Gilbert Onyekachukwu Ibezim to order and ensure the right thing is done to avoid breakdown of law and order in the Community.

Senator Peter Nwaoboshi debunks reports of his alleged arrest

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Senator Peter Nwaoboshi debunks reports of his alleged arrest
Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi (SPON)

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he former senator who represented Delta North Senatorial district in the 9th assembly, Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi  has debunked reports making the rounds in some quarters that he was arrested over defamation  case by the police.
A statement from his SPON media office described the news of the senator’s arrest as “mischievous and a malicious propaganda sponsored by Nwaoboshi’s detractors.”

The statement said “Sen. Nwaoboshi is currently in Abuja and nobody invited him for any interview as regards the case of defamation or granted him bail as alleged by Senator Ned Nwoko  camp and he is never  afraid of any invitation by the Police or any security agency if need be.

According Senator Nwaoboshi , he said he was surprised at (about) the rumour, The Police never arrested me , it was not me and I am calling on them to clear the air on this .

“I demand a probe into the source of this rumour,” he said.

“Sen Nwaoboshi urges the general public to disregard any fake news of his arrest making round from his detractors , who are bent on tarnishing his reputation.

Top Nigeria Customs Officers Allegedly Entangle In Multi-Billion Naira Corruption Scandal

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Top Nigeria Customs Officers Allegedly Entangle In Multi-Billion Naira Corruption Scandal

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]n intense lobbying is ongoing at the highest hierarchy of the Nigerian government as powerful government officials attempt to cover up a multi-billion naira corruption scandal involving senior officials of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), PREMIUM TIMES has gathered.

At least 40 NCS personnel, most of them in the service’s highest hierarchy, have been indicted in a robust EFCC investigation into the proceeds of bribes paid to customs officials by smugglers importing and exporting contraband goods through the Nigerian borders.

At least seven of these officials were detained by the EFCC for days late last year – with some of them spending the festive period in detention – when proceeds of bribes allegedly from smugglers totalling over N12 billion were traced to them, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

But for unknown reasons, all seven of them were not prosecuted and have been allowed back to their duty posts as if nothing happened.

Both the NCS and the EFCC have yet to furnish this newspaper with answers despite multiple requests.

Betraying fatherland

As the Nigerian government grapples with revenue challenges, customs officials rake in billions for themselves while sabotaging the government’s policies they were meant to protect.

While the custom’s complicity in the movement of contraband items across Nigerian borders are well documented – like in a recent investigation by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism – the identification and prosecution of officials involved is a rarity.

But in this EFCC investigation, at least seven high-ranking officials of the NCS were grilled by the anti-graft agency, and parts of the bribes they received confiscated.

Customs insiders and other sources familiar with the matter told this newspaper that the officers were found to own properties and businesses way above what their earnings as customs officers could cater for.

This newspaper learnt that the EFCC’s investigation also involves at least 33 other officers of the service.

According to a source, some of these officials amassed the largest tranche of these bribes from smugglers last year after the directive to close the Nigeria-Niger border by the Nigerian government as part of ECOWAS sanctions against the military junta that deposed Nigerien President, Mohamed Bazoum.

Although ECOWAS has now lifted the sanction, there were reports that goods were still smuggled through the borders with Nigeria despite the initial border closure.

However, this EFCC operation, as PREMIUM TIMES found, has revealed some of the customs officials accepting bribes from smugglers to allow for the movement of goods through the borders.

“The smugglers pay bribes directly or through agents designated accounts of the NCS officials,” the source said, adding that most of the officers detained operate in Zone B, which operates in more than half the borders that Nigeria shares with Niger Republic in Sokoto, Katsina, Kano, and Jigawa states.

The customs has four zonal headquarters across the country. Zone A in Lagos covers the entire South-west geopolitical zone. Zone B in Kaduna covers the North-west as well as Niger, Kogi, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Zone C in Port Harcourt, covers the South-east and south-south. Zone D covers the North-east states of Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States.

Six of the seven identified officers worked in Zone B while one officer, to whom more than 80 per cent of the N12 billion was traced to, works in Zone C, Port Harcourt.

Identified Officers

One of the arrested officers, the NCS’ Area Controller Zone B Kaduna, Ibrahim Jalo, was found with $31,200 and N500,000 in cash when arrested, the source noted.

Mr Jalo only assumed duty as the Area Controller Zone B in January last year, where he was said to have quickly made 130 record seizures within eight weeks of assuming the position.

But the EFCC traced suspected proceeds of bribes from smugglers totalling N1.1 billion to him.

Our sources revealed that the customs officer promptly refunded N250 million, with a promise to refund the balance.

The EFCC also traced N126 million to Mr Jalo’s personal assistant, Umar Tafarki. He has also refunded N12 million.

Another officer involved in this saga is Kayode Kolade, the Comptroller Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone C, Port Harcourt. The anti-graft agency traced N9.5 billion, suspected to be bribes from smugglers, to him, all of which he was said to have received personally and through proxies between 2015 and 2023.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that the EFCC detained Mr Kolade for three days in December. He spent Christmas Day in detention. He has refunded N50 million and committed to refund N800 million within a short period.

Another indicted officer, Nurudeen Musa, is the Comptroller of Enforcement, Kaduna Zone. The EFCC traced N950 million to him. The anti-graft agency has recovered N583 million from him after he spent days in detention. He has also promised to refund the rest.

The EFCC’s investigation found that Mr Musa, who previously served as Area Comptroller, Katsina Area command, was extraordinarily wealthy and owned lots of assets including two filling stations and large trucks, all of which investigators suspect were acquired with illicit funds.

Meanwhile, Hamisu Ibrahim, the officer in charge of Operation FOU Zone B, Kaduna, was suspected to have garnered N120 million in bribes from smugglers between 2019 and 2023. As of January, he has refunded N13 million and promised to refund the rest.

Meanwhile, Madugu Saleh and Mohammed Rabiu were suspected to have received N85 million and 84 million respectively from smugglers.

Mr Saleh has refunded N13.5 million and promised to refund the rest.

Mr Rabiu, the officer in charge of patrol on the Agangaro/Jibia Road, refunded N15 million to the anti-graft agency.

Reluctance to Prosecute?

The EFCC investigation, the arrests and refunds were made between November last year and January, PREMIUM TIMES gathered.

But despite this huge indictment against them, these officers have gone back to their duty posts without prosecution by the EFCC or reprimand from the NCS.

Last month, Mr Kolade, the Comptroller, FOU Zone C, one of the officers who returned parts of the proceeds of bribes he allegedly got from smugglers, decorated some newly promoted officers in the zone.

Efforts by PREMIUM TIMES to get the official reactions of the NCS were unsuccessful. For days. The spokesperson of the NCS, Aliyu Maiwada, did not respond to multiple telephone calls placed to his telephone line.

He also did not respond to a detailed text message seeking comments as to why these officers were not punished and why they were allowed back their duty posts, even though he received and read the messages.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has also not responded to our message.

Mr Oyewale asked for details of the individuals for him to track the case. The details were sent to him and he acknowledged receiving them.

“Please give me some time to get back to you,” he wrote in a text last Wednesday.

However, as of the time of filing this report, he has yet to get back to our reporter despite a reminder. Premium Times

OBOREVWORI IS GOVERNOR FOR ALL – DR. IFEANYI OSUOZA

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OBOREVWORI IS GOVERNOR FOR ALL – DR. IFEANYI OSUOZA

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, has said that the increasing tempo of economic activities in the State is a reflection of the prevailing peace in the state, as Peace and Security were core ingredients of the MORE agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

The Commissioner made the remarks when the leadership and members of Delta Grassroots Motivation Forum, a political pressure group, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Asaba.
Dr. Osuoza stated that Governor Oborevwori would develop all parts of the state irrespective of political divides, stressing that he is Governor for all Deltans.

The Commissioner further enjoined the group to join hands with the Ministry of Information to propagate the policies and programmes of the Oborevwori administration at the grassroots, noting that doing so would solidify their support for the Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party in the State.

On the group’s request for political appointments for its members, the commissioner noted that though every member of the party could not be appointed into positions, the MORE agenda would provide opportunities to benefit from the government’s empowerment programmes as well as other forms of political patronage.
Earlier, President of the Forum, Hon. Richard Anonye, stated that they were in the Commissioner’s office to felicitate him on his appointment as well as commiserate with him on the death of his father.

While describing Dr. Osuoza as a dogged and fearless grassroots politician who had contributed immensely to the development of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, Hon. Anonyei commended Governor Oborevwori for his choice of Osuoza as Commissioner for Information.

He stated that the Forum would continue to support the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. He, however, appealed for political appointments for members of the group.

Other members of the group present were Dr. Odinigwe Odigie, Commissioner for Science and Technology, and Hon. Kevin Okwechime, Chairman, of Aniocha North Local Government Council, among other members.

NLC PROTEST: CP DELTA ABANIWONDA OLUFEMI DEPLOYS POLICE PERSONNEL ACROSS THE STATE

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NLC PROTEST: CP DELTA ABANIWONDA OLUFEMI DEPLOYS POLICE PERSONNEL ACROSS THE STATE

…WARNS THAT VIOLENT PROTEST IS CRIMINAL AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

Ahead of the planned protest scheduled to hold on 27th and 28th February 2024, by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) alongside other unions, in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun PhD., NPM, the Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has ordered massive deployment across the State to ensure adequate security and safety during the protest and to ensure that the protest is not hijacked.

The CP during an interaction with Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and DPOS, directed them to emplace measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

As part of measure to ensure that the protest is seamless, the CP had stakeholders meeting with the leaders of NLC, TUC, and IPMAN on 22nd February 2024, and discussed measures to achieve a peaceful protest. The CP stated that it is the primary responsibility of the Police to ensure the protection of life and property which includes the security of protesters, but also reiterated that citizen’s right to protest is a right to peaceful protest, violent protest is criminal and will not be tolerated.

The CP directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to deploy undercover operatives who will monitor and report back findings. Manpower has also been drawn from Tactical Teams which includes Safer Highway, Dragon Patrol, Safe Delta, Raiders Unit, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKCCS), CD-Decoy, CP Monitoring Unit, State Anti-Cult Unit, Crack Squad, X-Squad, and additional personnel were also deployed from Department of Operations, Area Commands, and Divisions.

The CP, therefore, warned all intending protesters that anyone found wanting will be immediately arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He assures all Deltans, residents, and non-residents to go about their lawful duties, business(es) without fear as modalities have been emplaced to ensure that the protest is peaceful noting that nobody can be forced to be part of the protest. Members of the public are advised to report any untoward occurrence in their area to the nearest Police station or call the Command Control number on 08036684974.

DSP. EDAFE BRIGHT, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA.

REJOINDER : DELTA STATE APC COLLAPSES AS MASS EXODOS HIT PART

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REJOINDER : DELTA STATE APC COLLAPSES AS MASS EXODOS HIT PART
[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ith reference to Zion National story of 25th February 2024 on the above title. Firstly, the story in its entirety is, to put it mildly a very serious distraction and wrong publication  from a pit of hell.
In a nutshell ZION NATIONALE story under reference contained among other three major false claims that:
1 That Senator Nwaoboshi begs Okowa and Sheriff for re-integration in PDP
2 That Nwoboshi supported Godwin Emefele and Ahmed Lawan
3 That APC is collapsing in Delta State
It is important to place on record as was stated in the story, SPON Media want to emphatically debunk all  the allegations that were considered as the kernel of the story. We restate without equivocation, that the story as told by the sponsors is a tissue of lies promoted for selfish reasons by politicians who have embarked on a campaign calumny and mischief against Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi. Thus, without prejudice to whatever step we may take, we have decided to put the records straight, to afford the discerning public particularly the good people of Delta State and Nigerian in general, the opportunity to reach the fair and balanced judgement on the situation.
Here are the facts: In order to justify, it is baseless and false allegation of impropriety, ZION NATIONALE story gave the impression that Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi begged OKOWA AND SHERIFF to reintegrate him in PDP. That is laughable as no such thing ever happened and cannot happen. Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi is a strong member and leader of APC in Delta North, He is a man with a lot of political values both in the state and federal. It is on record that Senator Nwaoboshi is the first serving senator who decamped to APC and was received by then sitting president, President Mohamadu Buhari at the presidential villa. Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi has never regretted joining APC and has no plans of joining PDP as falsely alleged. Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi by the  grace of God has scaled all political gang ups against him by Delta State PDP and his political enemies.
In the issue of supporting Godwin Emefele or Ahmed Lawan. Former Central Bank of Nigeria governor is from Agbor under Delta north  Senatorial District which Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi  represent. Thank God that Godwin Emefele is alive to testify if  Senator Nwaoboshi has ever collected a single dollar from him. But we all know that lies and blackmails have a short term to live. As of issue to his closeness to the then Senate President of Nigeria, Ahmed Lawan . Senator Nwaoboshi is one of the most powerful senators and a caucus  member of the 9th National Assembly so all this factors are the reasons for his closeness to Lawan. Senator Nwaoboshi is strong supporter  of  President Ahmed Tinubu and he believes in his leadership and will continue to support and work with him as the leader of their party.
As alleged that APC is collapsing in Delta State, we want to make reference to the last general Re-run election that APC sweeped the Burutu and  Ethiope West Constituencies no in Delta State. We all know that APC will soon take over Delta State because we a waxing stronger in Delta State ,time shall tell.
We perfectly understand the frustration of political turn coats who – through the sleight of hand delusorily expected demonize our most distinguish Senator. We have taken cognizance of their determination to fall Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi politically with a view to creating disaffection among the people. We are even surprised that it has taken them so long to make good their diabolical threat to deploy every arsenal in their bid to manipulate public opinion against Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi.
Finally, we want to advice ZION NATIONALE that, as a medium that prides itself for professional  journalism, it should guard against mischief-makers , and always balance his stories. As Zion Nationale patiently await response from Most Distinguished Senator Peter Nwaoboshi.

PRESS BRIEFING BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DELTA STATE, CP ABANIWONDA S. OLUFEMI psc, ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND FROM 1ST FEBRUARY 2024 TO DATE

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PRESS BRIEFING BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DELTA STATE, CP ABANIWONDA S. OLUFEMI psc, ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND FROM 1ST FEBRUARY 2024 TO DATE
PRESS BRIEFING BY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DELTA STATE, CP ABANIWONDA S. OLUFEMI psc, ON THE  ACHIEVEMENT OF DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND FROM 1ST FEBRUARY 2024 TO DATE
  It is with great pleasure that I address you today on the achievements made by the Command since my assumption of Office as the 22nd Commissioner of Police Delta State. On the 2nd of February 2024, in the course of taking over from my predecessor and interactions with my management team, I was briefed on the plethora of peculiar security challenges in the State and the trend in criminalities in the State, my assignment to provide adequate security for the good people of Delta State was clearly cut-out. Although, the challenges are obvious and enormous, they are nevertheless surmountable.
In my maiden conference with the Officers of the Command, I charged them to see our calling as selfless and also noting that the reward for hard work is more work. In the discharge of their duties, team work, strategic partnership and cooperation with all stakeholders will be explored for result oriented policing. Let me assure Deltans, residents and non-residents that policing the State under my watch will be a responsible one in accordance with the dictates of the laws and respect to the fundamental human right of the citizens.
During the period of two weeks, enumerated below are some of the breakthrough the Command recorded;
1. ARREST OF A 54YRS OLD WOMAN IN POSSESSION OF ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE ROUNDS OF LIVE CARTRIDGES: On the 17/2/2024 at about 1420hrs, operatives of Eagle-Net special Squad while on routine patrol along Asaba/Ibusa road, flagged down a commercial Sienna vehicle coming from Onitsha, during search of the vehicle and passengers one Efe David ‘f’ 54yrs of Oria Abraka  Ethiope East LGA, Delta State was arrested with one hundred and seventy five (175) live cartridges. Suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing.
 
2. ARREST OF SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS ARMED ROBBERS:  On 31/01/2024 at about 2200hrs, while acting on a tip off from a distress tricycle rider (name withheld) that three young boys hired him for from Effurun Junction to Ugholo community and diverted to a lonely road, stabbed him on his head and hands dispossessed him of his tricycle with registration number AS 8851 and fourteen thousand naira. On the receipt of complaint, DPO Oreropke detailed a team of detective who swung into action. Consequently, on 17/02/2024 at about 2200hrs, the team arrested one Okechukwu Gabriel aged 26 years ‘m’  of no. 23 Warri/Sapele road Effurun who specializes in snatching tricycle from it owners was arrested. The victim has identified the suspect as one of those who robbed him. Investigation is ongoing.
 
3. ARREST OF A SUSPECT IN POSSESSION OF ONE LOCALLY FABRICATED BERETTA PISTOL: On 13/2/2024, at about 2055 hours, while operatives of Safe Delta were on visibility patrol along Utagbanor road, at Ukwani LGA, they sighted a black Toyota Camry with registration number KUJ 282CN, carrying three occupants, upon search of the occupants and the vehicle, one  locally fabricated Beretta Pistol  loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from one of the occupants Chionyenedue Macdoff. Upon further investigation, the suspect confessed that he purchase the arm from one Timothy who is resident in Kaduna
4. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTIST, RECOVERY OF LOCALLY MADE CUT-SIZE-GUN: On the 12/2/2024, at about 2100hours, one Eze Emeruwa ‘m’ age 28yrs was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend in Abraka Ethiope East LGA. During the course of investigation, suspect premises was searched and a locally made cut-to-size double barrel pistol, and seven rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Suspect also confessed to be a member of Eiye confraternity cult group. Suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing
5. ARREST OF A SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER, RECOVERY OF ONE FABRICATED REVOLVER PISTOL AND THREE ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION: On 15/2/2024, at about 0700 hours, Policemen attached to Eagle-Net special squad received a distress call that two young men jumped into a compound at Dublina Road, GRA, Asaba, the Police swiftly responded and moved to the scene, on sighting the policemen, the suspects fled, but one of them Isaac Victor ‘m’ age 31yrs was arrested and one fabricated revolver pistol was recovered from him. Investigation is ongoing.
6. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTIST/ARMED ROBBERS: On 18/2/2024, the DPO Bomadi division received a distress call that some suspected robbers were on rampage terrorizing his area of responsibility, attacking and dispossessing shop owners of their belongings with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons. The DPO swiftly led men alongside vigilante and embark on aggressive patrol which led to the arrest of seven suspects. The suspects confessed to be members of BOBOS, Greenlander, and Icelanders confraternity and the following items were recovered, four cutlasses, two daggers, and one axe. Suspects are in custody and effort to arrest other members of the gang is ongoing.
7. ARREST OF A SUSPECTED CULTIST, RECOVERY OF ONE SINGLE BARREL CUT-SIZE-GUN: On the 09/02/2024 at about 0330hrs while working on credible intelligence, operatives of State Anti-Cult unit (SACU) arrested one Okolgbo Prince Onyeka, a 25yrs old native of Obiaruku in Ukwuani LGA, Delta State, and  known member of Arrow Bagger confraternity. Upon search, one locally Cut-to-Size Single Barrel Gun with two live cartridges, and a dagger were recovered from the suspect. Investigation is ongoing.
8. ARREST A SUSPECTED ILLICIT DRUG DEALER, RECOVERY OF TWO HUNDERED AND EIGHTY-FOUR BOTTLES OF CSC CODEINE: On 16/2/2024, at about 1745 hours, acting on credible information one Ugornna Nnanye ‘f’ aged 32yrs of Obinnecu street was arrested along Mariam Babangida way. She was arrested based on information receive that she deals in controlled illicit drugs. Upon her arrest, Two Hundred and Eighty-Four bottles containing substance suspected to be codeine were recovered from her. Suspect is in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
 
9. ARREST OF A SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER, RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY MADE GUN: On 05/02/2024 at about 0800hours, while men of Dragon Patrol were conducting stop and search along Kwale – Ogwashi-Uku Expressway, they intercepted a commercial Sienna Bus conveying passengers from Ughelli to Asaba. The team subjected the passengers to a random search, during which one (01) locally fabricated Pistol and two (02) live cartridges were recovered from one Fedelis Akpos ‘m’ aged 23 years, a resident of Ewhu Community Ughelli South L.G.A. The suspect concealed the gun and cartridges inside a polythene bag containing smoked fish to serve as a decoy, but the professionally trained Policemen uncovered the exhibit despite his antics. Suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing.
10. ARREST OF SUSPECTED DRUG DEALERS AND RECOVERY OF ILLICIT DRUG: on 7/2/2024 at about 1100hours, operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) while conducting stop and search at Head-Bridge Asaba, flagged down a Toyota Hiace bus for a routine check. During the search, three cartons containing One Hundred bottles of substance suspected to be CSC Codeine and four hundred sachets of 250mg of Tramadol, and some other suspected hard drugs were recovered from the trio of Lucky Emmanuel ‘m’ of Ughelli aged 40yrs, and Enunwuune Snu ‘m’ aged 46yrs, and Jacob Efedeye ‘m’ aged 32yrs. Suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing.
 
CONCLUSION:
I have directed all DPOs to sustain raids of identified black spots, and drug dealers in their area of responsibility, embark on visibility patrol/stop and search duty, and ensure that crime and criminality does not thrive in their Area. While assuring Delta residents of adequate security, I wish to use this medium to solicit for their continuous understanding, support and cooperation with the State Government and Police Authorities in the fight against crime and criminality.
Finally I wish to inform Deltans that the Command has established a complaint response Unit at the Command headquarters, and this is in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police mission to have a transparent policing system in Nigeria. For any infraction with any of our personnel, kindly reach out to CRU office or call the following dedicated phone numbers. 
09155570008 | 09011112311 | 09064308018 | 09066575187
 
 
Thank you all
CP ABANIWONDA S. OLUFEMI
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
DELTA STATE COMMAND
ASABA.

Delta Police: No Sack Of Guns Was Recovered From Delta Commissioner –Police

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Delta Police: No Sack Of Guns Was Recovered From Delta Commissioner –Police

By: Ike Philip Abiagom

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he State Police Command has described as false an online report alleging that the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon Agbateyiniro Weyinmi, was arrested for being in possession of a sack of guns.

The Command, in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Bright Edafe, urged the public to ignore  the fake news.

According to the statement, “the Command is aware of a false publication credited to one Fegiro Oliver postal across some social media platforms. Alleging that the said Commissioner of Youth had been found with a sack containing guns,” saying that “and in the false report, he also stated that the guns were handed over to Ekpan Police Station while the Commissioner held four guns to himself.”

Oliver also had stated that the said commissioner ordered one of his boys to use the guns to murder a policeman in Delta State.

The police continued: “After a careful analysis of the write-up, it is obvious that the writer is being mischievous, and the Command does not wish to go into any debate with him. But for the avoidance of doubt and for members of the public to be informed, the Command wishes to state clearly that no incident like that was recorded in the Command, the write-up is not only mischievous but laughable.”

Furthermore, Delta Police Command advised members of the public to disregard the publication completely as it is misleading and mischievous and the intent of writing such a false and misleading and non-existent incident is known only to the writer.”

Continuing, the police, said: “Members of the public, media, and journalists are advised to continue to confirm such publications from the Command through the office of the Delta State Police Command Public Relations Officer so they can be properly informed.

 

“Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi therefore warns that the Command will not tolerate any false or misleading news by mischief makers, noting that anyone found wanting will be identified, arrested and duly prosecuted in accordance with the Law.”

 

Delta Police Command Establishes Complaint Response Unit

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Delta Police Command Establishes Complaint Response Unit

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun PhD, NPM, mandating all State Commissioners of Police to establish complaint Response Unit (CRU) in all state Commands, hinged on the IGP’s zero tolerance for corruption, extortion, and abuse of fundamental human rights of Nigerians, and to curb the excesses of Police officers, the Delta State Police Commissioner, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has established a Complaints Response Unit (CRU) at the Command headquarters.

Delta Police Command Establishes Complaint Response Unit

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Edafe Bright who disclosed this in a statement, added that the department will work directly under him, saying the said department will checkmate the excesses and unprofessional conducts of the police officers operating in the state.

He continued: “The CP who understands the need to maintain the highest standards of professionalism in the organization, seeks to rectify any excesses or inappropriate behavior demonstrated by the police officers and men of the command. On this note, the public can channel all complaints and relevant information on police actions either by visiting the CRU office at the Command Headquarters, or by contacting any of the following phone numbers: 09155570008 | 09011112311 | 09064308018 | 09066575187; or via the social media handle: (X – Delta_PoliceCRU; FACEBOOK – DeltaNG CRU INSTAGRAM: @Delta_PoliceCRU); and the official email – deltapolicecru@gmail.com.”

“Summarily, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi while reaffirming his zero tolerance to the abuse of authorities, added that the IGP has shown an unwavering zeal to fight corruption and unprofessionalism, hence he will not hesitate to promptly sanction any erring officer. He further encourages the public to assist in the efficient execution of curbing misconduct, excesses, and unprofessionalism among police officers in the State, by collaborating closely with the Police Command Complaint Response Unit. He similarly stressed that the command is unwavering in its commitment to uphold an environment of transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights in the discharge of duties, as this will further help build public trust and promote a positive working relationship between the police and the people,” the statement concluded.

10 Months after, BEDC restores light to Ezenei Community in Asaba

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10 Months after, BEDC restores light to Ezenei Community in Asaba

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he management of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has restored night life to Ezenei community in Asaba
in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Ezenei community had experienced power outage for 10 Months before BEDC connected the community to national grid last week  Thursday, amidst fanfare by her inhabitants. Details of the pains, community efforts and the role of BEDC loading …

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