Police Nab Herbalists, Suspected Kidnappers, Fraudsters In Edo, Delta
The police in Delta State have arrested two notorious native doctors, three suspected kidnappers, and 184 internet fraudsters at different locations in Delta and Edo States.
The Delta Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement today said that 247 rounds of ammunition for submachine guns (SMG), charms, laptops, phones, and other items were recovered during the operations that led to the arrests.
He explained that the arrests were a sequel to a series of intelligence reports received regarding the planned abduction of several high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and their environs by a notorious syndicate under the leadership of one Owei Abebo, alias “ADUSA.”
He alleged that ADUSA had been on the Command’s watch list since 2021 but was recently caught when operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, mounted a strategic operation.
According to the statement, “On July 19, 2025, in the early hours of the day, the operatives arrested one Peter Benson, a 35-year-old male suspect from Kwale in Ndokwa LGA, Delta State, who is a suspected spiritual herbalist responsible for ritual preparations for the criminal gang.”
“Following intensive interrogation, Peter Benson led operatives to another suspect, one Joseph Saniyo, 63 years old, from Ajakurama Community, Ovia South-West LGA, Edo State.”
“Saniyo, 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 swiftly on further intelligence provided by the arrested suspects, operatives stormed Oghara and successfully apprehended the ring leader, Owei Abebo a.k.a ‘ADUSA,’ aged 42, along with the following male accomplices: Ebi Maye, 41 years, from Poloububor Community in Warri North LGA, Delta State, and Happy Obegha, 39 years, from Ajakurama Community, Ovia North-East LGA, Edo State.”
The police image maker added, ‘During a thorough search of the suspects’ hideouts, the operatives recovered 247 rounds of live ammunition for a submachine gun (SMG).”
“Preliminary investigations revealed that their latest plot involved planned coordinated kidnappings across Sapele and Oghara, which were successfully foiled after their arrest.”
According to him, “Also, the Command, in a combined effort with the Nigerian Army, has recorded a significant breakthrough in the fight against internet fraud and other cyber-related offences.”
“On July 21, 2025, at about 17:45 hours, operatives of the Ekpan Division, acting on credible intelligence in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, carried out a coordinated raid on a location within Post Housing Estate, Effurun, where suspected internet fraud and terrorism financing activities were taking place.”
“The operation resulted in the arrest of one Kelvin Odini, aged 33 years, and 183 others engaged in online fraud-related activities.”
“Items recovered from the suspects include 273 assorted laptops, 97 assorted smartphones, one iPad, one tablet phone, nine laptop chargers, and two 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,” he added.
