Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects’ latest plot involved planned coordinated kidnappings across Sapele and Oghara, which were successfully foiled following their arrest.
According to the police, the arrests followed a series of intelligence received regarding the planned abduction of several high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and their environs by a notorious syndicate under the leadership of one Owei Abebo, alias ‘Adusa.’
Police said Afusa has been on the Command’s watch list since 2021 but was recently apprehended by the operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Command, SP Bright Edafe, explained, “on July 19, 2025, in the early hours of the day, the operatives arrested one Peter Benson, a 35-year-old male suspect from Kwale in Ndokwa LGA, Delta State, who is a suspected spiritual herbalist responsible for ritual preparations for the criminal gang.
“Following intensive interrogation, Peter Benson led operatives to another suspect, one Joseph Saniyo, 63 years old, from Ajakurama community, Ovia South-West LGA, Edo state.
“Saniyo, identified as the syndicate’s primary spiritualist, was found in possession of three live tortoises and other fetish items believed to be used in criminal fortification rituals.
“Acting swiftly on further intelligence provided by the arrested suspects, operatives stormed Oghara and successfully apprehended the ring leader, Owei Abebo a.k.a ‘Aduda,’ aged 42, along with the following male accomplices: Ebi Maye, 41 years, from Poloububor Community in Warri North LGA, Delta state, and Happy Obegha, 39 years, from Ajakurama Community, Ovia North-East LGA, Edo State.”
Edafe said during a thorough search of the suspects’ hideouts, the operatives recovered 247 rounds of live ammunition for a submachine gun (SMG).
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