DELTA POLICE SMASH RITUALIST AND INTERNET FRAUDSTER HIDEOUT, RECOVER FIREARMS AND FETISH ITEMS

By Diafa Doubra,

The Delta State Police Command has recorded yet another breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to rid the state of crime and criminality, following the successful raid of a suspected ritualist and internet fraudster hideout in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area. Acting on credible intelligence on October 6, 2025, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) stormed the residence of one Onwugbenu Olisa, located at Umunye bypass by Power Line, Ibusa. Although the prime suspect managed to escape, police operatives arrested one Okechukwu Okwudili Nwanolue age 45, a native of Abala-Obodo community in Aniocha North LGA.

A thorough search of the building led to the recovery of a pump-action gun loaded with three live cartridges, two laptops suspected to have been used for internet fraud, a live snail, and several fetish items hidden within a shrine. According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect and other accomplices believed to be connected to the illegal activities. He added that the discovery reinforces the Command’s determination to stamp out ritual-related crimes and cyber fraud within the state.

In a related development, on October 7, 2025, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, acting on intelligence about an armed robbery syndicate terrorising motorists along the Sapele-Warri road, carried out a swift operation in Adheje community. During the raid, two suspects Lucky Tenaera, age 24, of Okwetolor community in Sapele LGA, and Prince Emma Esemedafe, age 38, from Effurun in Uvwie LGA — were apprehended. The police recovered one locally made long gun, eleven ATM cards, and other incriminating items from the suspects.

SP Edafe noted that both suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to unravel the extent of their criminal network. He commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, assuring Deltans that the Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, psc, remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all residents across the state.