Two individuals suspected of being part of a notorious church robbery syndicate have been captured by the police in Delta State.
According to PUNCH Metro, the duo was detained by Orerokpe Divisional Police operatives in the state for their involvement in nighttime burglaries of churches, during which musical instruments were stolen.
Delta State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, revealed that the suspects were apprehended on November 19, 2023, due to their infamous series of church break-ins.
DSP Bright Edafe stated, “The arrests came following a break-in at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ‘Dominion Mega,’ where several church musical instruments were stolen.”
It was reported that the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Paul Obaware, promptly mobilized and led his operatives to the crime scene after a report was filed on November 17, 2023.
“Subsequently, on November 19, 2023, Patrick Emete attempted to sell one of the stolen amplifiers on his Facebook page,” Edafe stated.
He also added, “Following the suspect’s confession, Patrick Emete, from Ughoton community, and his associate, Alex Uwagbafor, were arrested. Preliminary investigations revealed that these suspects are notorious and unrepentant thieves who specialize in burgling churches, shops, and homes.”
The police recovered a substantial number of items from the suspects, including musical instruments, electronic appliances, and various other stolen goods.
Further items were discovered after a clergyman reported a church burglary on November 30, 2023. The suspects admitted to the crime and led the authorities to where more stolen items were recovered.
The police assured that efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen items, with the suspects currently in custody and awaiting prosecution upon the completion of the investigation.
In the meantime, Delta State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, has pledged to strengthen the state command’s efforts to mitigate criminal activities and ensure public safety during the festive period and beyond.
He urged the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts and to share credible information with the police through the nearest police station or the Police Public Relations Officer’s office.