Delta Police Arrest Notorious Church Musical Instrument Thieves

A robbery syndicate that specialises in church break-ins to steal musical instruments has been busted by police in Delta State.

Two members of the gang were arrested by operatives from the Orerokpo Police station of the command.

Police received information on November 17 around 4pm about a break-in at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, a.k.a “Dominion Mega,” where several church musical instruments were carted away.

Following the report, the DPO Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware, swiftly mobilised 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.

Two days later, one Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen items, amplifiers, for sale on his Facebook page.

Following the ads on the social media, detectives offered to buy the said item, lured and trailed the suspect to Effurun roundabout, where he was apprehended around 1.04pm of the same date.

The suspect, Patrick Emete, 36, of Ughoton community, confessed and gave information that led to the arrest of another of his associates, Alex Uwagbafor, 45, of New Era Clinic, Deco Road, Warri.

A statement issued by the Command’s PPRO, DSP Bright Edafe said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are notorious and unrepentant thieves who specialise in burgling churches, shops, and homes.

The statement added that stolen items recovered from suspects are 20 big loudspeakers; three generator sets; 15 large mixers amplifiers; four keyboards; 12 power amplifiers; 10 industrial standing fans; one complete drum set; one guitar; one power mic; two standing freeze; two plasma televisions; two home theatres; one washing machine; three stabilisers; three handsaws; one clipper; one microwave; one small oven; and one gas cylinder.

Meanwhile, as the investigation progressed, a clergyman (name withheld) also alleged that his church was burgled on November 30 around 4.32pm. Upon questioning, the suspects admitted and further led the operatives to Eburu Street Warri, where more stolen items were recovered.

These items include 11 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 stabiliser.

“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.” the police statement added.