Acting on a series of intelligence reports about an imminent abduction plot targeting high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and surrounding areas, officers of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Julius Robinson, launched a coordinated sting operation that led to the arrest of key members of a notorious criminal syndicate.
On 19th July 2025, CP-SAT operatives arrested 35-year-old Peter Benson from Kwale, Ndokwa LGA, Delta State—allegedly a spiritual herbalist who performed fortification rituals for the gang.
His confession led to the arrest of 63-year-old Joseph Saniyo, the group’s lead spiritualist, found in possession of live tortoises and fetish items suspected to be used for ritual protection.
According to the police spokesman, a Superintendent of Police, Bright Edafe, “Acting on further intelligence, the team captured the ring leader, 42-year-old Owei Abebo alias “Adusa”, along with accomplices, Ebi Maye (41), Poloborbor Community, Warri North LGA and Happy Obegha (39), Aakoroma Community, Ovia North-East LGA.
“A search of their hideout uncovered 247 rounds of SMG live ammunition. Investigations revealed their plans to orchestrate multiple kidnappings across Sapele and Oghara—plans that were successfully dismantled.”
In a separate operation on 21st July 2025 at about 1745hrs, officers of the Ekpan Division, in synergy with the Nigeria Army, raided a hideout in Post Housing Estate, Effurun, where suspected internet fraud and terrorism financing activities were uncovered. This operation resulted in the arrest of 33-year-old Kelvin Odini and 183 others.
Recovered items include: 273 laptops, 97 smartphones, 1 iPad, 1 table phone, 9 laptop chargers and 2 Wi-Fi routers.
All suspects and recovered items are in custody. Investigations continue to trace their full network of operations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, praised the swift, brave, and coordinated efforts of the officers involved.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive surveillance and intelligence-led policing to make Delta State an impenetrable fortress against criminal syndicates and digital fraud.
