The Delta State Police Command has dismantled a criminal syndicate accused of hypnotising and robbing unsuspecting victims across Delta and Edo states and recovered N23.5M, vehicles.
The Delta Police spokesman, a Superintendent of Police, Bright Edafe, said that eight suspects were arrested in an operation that took place between August 11 and 16, 2025.
Operatives from the Commissioner of Police’s Special Assignment Team acted on credible intelligence to apprehend the group, which specialised in stealing phones, motorcycles, and jewellery.
The suspects also allegedly gained access to victims’ bank accounts, defrauding them of millions.
According to the police, the gang’s method involved approaching victims under the guise of asking for directions. They would then reportedly hypnotise the individuals, making them vulnerable to extortion and theft.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate has so far defrauded at least twelve victims of over N23,500,000. They are also accused of stealing 42 motorcycles and numerous iPhones.
During the arrests, authorities recovered two Toyota Camry vehicles (Reg. Nos. LND-809-HE and KSF-61-JU) and sixteen suspected stolen iPhones.
The suspects in custody are: Ibrukoko (32), Obruche Actor (31), Lucky Umukoro (28), Emmanuel Buruutu (22), Musa Abdulahi (27), Sokoh (30), Preye Julius (36) and Kadija Abass (30).
The suspects and recovered exhibits are in police custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
