Men of the Orerokpe Divisional Police Headquarters of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two suspects for their infamous strings of church break-ins in Delta State.
The spokesman for the Command, Bright Edafe, made the development known in a statement on Monday.
He said police received information on November 17, 2023 at 4pm about a break-in at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Dominion Mega Parish, where several musical instruments were carted away from the church.
Edafe explained that in the sequel to the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Orerokpe Division, Chief Superintendent of Police Paul Obaware, swiftly mobilised and led his operatives to assess the scene of the crime.
Edafe said: “Afterward, an operation was planned and executed on the strength of the items that were carted away. Consequently, on the 19th of November, Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen amplifiers for sale on his Facebook page.
“Immediately, detectives offered to buy the said item, lured and trailed the suspect to Effurun Roundabout, where he was apprehended at about 3:04 PM of the same date.
“Following the confession of the 36-year-old apprehended suspect, Patrick Emete of Ughoton Community, one of his associates, Alex Uwagbafor, aged 45 years of New Era Clinic Deco Road, Warri was also arrested.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that these suspects are notorious and unrepentant thieves who specialise in burgling churches, shops, and homes.”
Items recovered from suspects were 20 big loudspeakers, three generator sets, 15 large mixer 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 stabilizers, three handsaws, one clipper, one microwave, one small oven, and one gas cylinder.
Edafe added: “In sequence to the ongoing investigation, a clergyman (name withheld) also alleged that his church was burgled.
“On 30th of November at about 4:32 PM, 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 stabilizer.
“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. As we edge closer to the year’s festivities, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass wishes to dispel any notion that seeks to cast doubt on the work of the command’s effectiveness in eradicating crime in Delta state.
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“He assures that efforts are being solidified to boost and enhance the effectiveness of the men during the festivities and beyond. Lastly, he again calls for the support of the public in fighting crime within the region. On this note, credible information can be shared with the police through the nearest police station, or the office of the Police Public Relations Office.”
