Police authorities in Delta State have apprehended individuals believed to be members of an armed gang specializing in nighttime burglaries of churches, with a focus on stealing musical instruments.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, stated that following numerous complaints about church burglaries in Orerokpe, the headquarters of Okpe Local Government Area near Warri, the police took immediate action.
“Sequel to the report, the DPO, Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware, swiftly mobilised and led his operatives to assess the scene of the crime. Afterward, an operation was planned and executed on the strength of the items that were carted away.”
“Consequently, Patrick 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 1304hrs of the same date.”
“Following the confession of the 36-year-old Patrick of Ughoton Community, one of his associates, Alex, 45 years, of New Era Clinic, Deco Road, Warri was also arrested.”
Preliminary investigations have revealed that these suspects are well-known and unrepentant thieves specializing in burglarizing churches, shops, and homes. Recovered items from the suspects include 20 large loudspeakers, three generator sets, 15 sizable mixer amplifiers, four keyboards, 12 power amplifiers, 10 industrial standing fans, a complete drum set, a guitar, a power mic, two standing freezers, two plasma televisions, two home theatres, a washing machine, three stabilizers, three handsaws, a clipper, a microwave, a small oven, and a gas cylinder.
“In sequence to the ongoing investigation, a clergyman (name withheld) also alleged that his church was burgled, 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.”
“The suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly, upon the conclusion of the investigation.”