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.”
