16 Convicted For Stealing Govt Property In Delta

The Delta State Police Command has secured the conviction of 16 suspects for offences bordering on theft of government property, conspiracy, malicious damage and unlawful possession of prohibited drugs.

The convicted persons, all male, are Yaro Abdul (25), Mohammed Isah (31), Hassan Jato (23), Azeez Bello (18), Duru Lawrence (27), Tijani Hassan (23), Muasu Alabo (27), Lawal Zardi (18), Gambo Abdul (18), Ali Musa (21), Musa Abdul (18), Umuru Kasa (19), Gaga Amos (25), Sani Garuba (18), Hanza Garuba (24), and Abdul Ahi Jubrin (18).

On July 15, 2026, Magistrate Court 3, Asaba, convicted the 16 defendants and sentenced each to 3 years’ imprisonment at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre.

The convictions followed their prosecution for criminal conspiracy, the theft of iron rods belonging to the Delta state government, wilful and malicious damage to government property, contrary to the Criminal Code Law of Delta State, as well as unlawful possession of 20 cups of Colorado (Kolos), an offence punishable under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act.

The Command Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, maintained it was the demonstration of the command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure and enforcing the law.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the diligent investigation and successful prosecution of the case, noting that the conviction sends a clear message that vandalism of public assets, theft, and drug-related offences will be met with the full weight of the law.

He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations to safeguard public property and maintain law and order across the state.