The Delta State Police Command has busted a nine-man robbery syndicate notorious for hypnotising unsuspecting victims before dispossessing them of valuables in parts of Delta and neighbouring Edo States.
The command’s spokesman, Bright Edafe, in a statement on Saturday, said the suspects specialised in defrauding victims of cash, looting their bank accounts, and stealing items such as phones, motorcycles, and jewellery.
“The suspects operate mainly in Warri, Ughelli and other parts of Delta and Edo States,” Edafe disclosed.
He explained that operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team, acting on credible intelligence, arrested the suspects at different locations between August 11 and 16.
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According to the Delta police spokesperson, items recovered from the gang included two Toyota Camry cars and 16 suspected stolen iPhones.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects defrauded their victims of a total of N23.5 million and also stole no fewer than 42 ladies’ motorcycles,” he added.
Edafe further noted that the suspects and recovered exhibits were in police custody while further investigation was ongoing.
Meanwhile, the command also arrested five suspects in connection with the theft of ladders in Ekpan area of the state.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer, Ekpan, detailed operatives on August 12 following complaints from victims whose ladders were stolen by suspects who posed as customers.
Edafe said the prime suspect, Esquire Stanley, admitted selling each ladder for N20,000 despite the market price being about N250,000.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of four receivers identified as Chinedu Okorie, Orgi Abara, Philip Augustine, and Obone Jevweu,” he stated.
He added that 11 suspected stolen ladders were recovered while 10 suspects were in custody, as investigation continues.
