Police authorities in Delta State have arrested four suspected members of a gun-running ring linked to the unlawful possession of a Beretta pistol recovered at a motor park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, on May 1.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday in Asaba.
He said that members of the gun-running syndicate were arrested in Bayelsa and Imo, following sustained investigations and intelligence-led operations.
According to him, the first suspect, Chukwuemeka was arrested in Bayelsa on May 4 alongside his friend and roommate, whose phone he used as a means of communication to purchase the gun.
The CP said that investigation revealed that Chukwuemeka bought the gun from one Amadi Princewill at the cost of N290,000 and sold it to one Desmond (who is at large) for N380,000.
He said that Desmond way billed it to Effurun and contacted Oghenemine Ogidi (now deceased) to collect it and send to Sapele.
“Following the confession of Chukwuemeka, the second suspect, Princewill was trailed and arrested in Imo State on May 15.
“During interrogation, Princewill stated that he bought the gun from one Amadi for the sum of N200,000.”
“Consequently, Amadi was trailed and arrested in Owerri, Imo on May 16.”
The CP confirmed that all the suspects are members of a secret cult.
He added that they will be charged to court upon completion of investigation, while the manhunt for other suspects including Desmond is still ongoing.
The commissioner urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could assist in preventing crime and enhancing public safety.
Recall that Ogidi was apprehended on April 26 while delivering a waybill package for a customer, which allegedly contained a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.
The 28-year-old man was killed after being restrained to the ground and shot close-range by an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
