Delta Community Draws Battle Line With Police As Criminals Escape From Detention

Aladja Community in Udu local government area of Delta State has vowed to go to any length with the Delta State Police Command except the two notorious criminals that escaped from police custody are rearrested.

The suspects were apprehended by the Aladja Security Crack Team (ASCT) on December 31, 2024, following increased criminal activities in the area. Alongside two others, Kelvin Dukuye and Philip Faka, the suspects were handed over to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station, along with ammunition.

The community has written a petition to the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, over the escape of the two notorious suspects identified as Ovakporaye Jobome (aka Rogers) and Debi.
This revelation has sparked outrage from the community, which accused the police of negligence and possible foul play.

The petition from the Aladja Community called for an investigation and decisive action against the DPO and his team over the escape of the suspects.

The petition also highlighted the need for the Inspector General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to take swift action to restore public confidence in law enforcement and address security challenges in Aladja and its environs.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, has also summoned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ovwian/Aladja Division, CSP Bulus Musa and his team following a petition.
A source who confided to LEADERSHIP stated that on January 4, 2025, officers from the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station informed the Aladja Community that two of the suspects, Jobome and Debi, had escaped custody.

“The CP has summoned the DPO and officers on duty for investigation. This incident appears to be a case of sabotage by some bad elements within the system.

“The CP is determined to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and he has ordered the immediate re-arrest of the escaped criminals.”

The Aladja Community Council expressed grave concern over the escape, emphasising that the two suspects were among the most dangerous criminals in the region.

They demanded their immediate re-arrest and called for accountability from the police officers involved.

This incident has heightened concerns about the effectiveness of local law enforcement in tackling crime and ensuring public safety. The community has urged authorities to act promptly to prevent further deterioration of security in the area.

Secretary, Udu local government council, Hon. Andrew Ekwetafia Gbise, confirmed confessional statements by the suspects were recorded in both video and audio formats.