Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two members of a notorious robbery syndicate that specialize in burgling 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 from the Orerokpe police station after burgling Redeemed Christian
Church of God in the area.
According to the PPRO, the
suspects who also specialize in breaking into homes and shops, carted away
several church instruments, loudspeakers, three generator sets, fifteen large
mixers amplifiers, four keyboards, twelve power amplifiers, one complete drum
set, among other items.
“The Orerokpe Divisional Police
Headquarters of the Delta State Police Command arrested two suspects for their
infamous strings of church break-ins in Delta State. Police received
information on 17/11/2023 at about 1600hrs about a break-in at Redeem Christian
Church of God, a.k.a “Dominion Mega”, where several church musical instruments
were carted away from the church,” the statement read.
"Sequel to the report, the
DPO Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware swiftly mobilized and led his
operatives to assess the scene of the crime. Afterward, an operation was
planned and executed on the strength of the items that were carted away.
"Consequently, on
19/11/23, Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen amplifiers for sale on his
Facebook page. Immediately detectives offered to buy the said item, lured and
trailed the suspect to Effurun Roundabout, where he was apprehended at about
1304hrs of the same date.
"Following the confession of the 36-year-old apprehended suspect, Patrick Emete of Ughoton Community, one of his associates, Alex Uwagbafor, aged 45 years of New Era Clinic Deco Road, Warri was also arrested.
"Preliminary investigation
revealed that these suspects are notorious and unrepentant thieves who
specialize in burgling churches, shops, and homes. Items recovered from
suspects are twenty big loudspeakers; three generator sets; fifteen large
mixers amplifiers; four keyboards; twelve power amplifiers; ten industrial
standing fans; one complete drum set; one guitar; one power mic; two standing
freeze; two plasma televisions; two home theaters; one washing machine; three
stabilizers; three handsaws; one clipper; one microwave; one small oven; and
one gas cylinder.
"In sequence to the
ongoing investigation, a clergyman (name withheld) also alleged that his church
was burgled. On 30/11/23 at about 1632hrs, upon questioning, the suspects
admitted and further led the operatives to Eburu Street Warri, where more
stolen items were recovered.
"These items include
eleven big loudspeakers; five professional power amplifiers, six professional
mixers; one Serato DJ deck; one Pioneer DJ deck; one plasma TV; four big
generators; one generator without a tank; one power microphone set; one
projector; two sets of English mini drums; and one big stabilizer.
"Meanwhile, frantic
efforts are ongoing to recover more stolen items. The suspects are in custody
and will be prosecuted accordingly, upon the conclusion of the investigation.
"As we edge closer to the
year’s festivities, 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. He assures that efforts are being solidified to boost and enhance the
effectiveness of the men during the festivities and beyond.
“Lastly, he again calls for the support of the public in fighting crime within the region. On this note, credible information can be shared with the police through the nearest police station, or the office of the Police Public Relations Office.”
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