Police smash notorious kidnapping, robbery and sea piracy syndicate in Delta
By: Zagazola Makama
The Delta State Police Command has arrested five members of a notorious kidnapping and sea piracy syndicate, including their spiritualists, and recovered large quantities of ammunition and fetish items during a series of intelligence-led operations.
Zagazola Makama learnt that the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) carried out the arrests between July 19 and 20 following credible intelligence on planned kidnappings by the gang, which is led by a suspect identified as Owei Abebo, alias Adusa, who has been on the Command’s watchlist since 2021.
According to police sources, the operation began with the arrest of a soothsayer, Peter Benson, 35, from Kwale in Ndokwa LGA, who was residing at Scot Road, off Ajagbodudu Road, Oghara.
“On July 20, at about 6:30 a.m., Benson was used to lure and arrest another key gang member, Joseph Saniyo, 63, of Ajakorama Community, Ovia South West LGA, Edo State, residing at Oreki Secondary School Area, Ibori Road, Oghara,” the police said.
Saniyo was identified as the syndicate’s spiritualist, and a search of his residence led to the recovery of three live tortoises and other fetish items.
Subsequently, the duo led operatives to other gang members in Oghara town. Those arrested include: Owei Abebo (aka Adusa), of Ajakorama Community, Edo State – alleged mastermind, Ebiaye, of Poloborbor Community, Warri North LGA – resident of Amukpe Area, Sapele, Happy Obegha, of Ajakorama Community residing at David Street, behind Winners Church, Oghara
During the search of their hideout, 247 rounds of live ammunition for a submachine gun (SMG) were recovered.
The police sources said the suspects have been linked to a string of high-profile crimes including kidnappings, armed robberies, illegal oil bunkering, and sea piracy across Delta and Edo States.
The gang was reportedly in the final stages of planning fresh kidnappings in the Sapele-Oghara axis before the operation disrupted their activities.
The police added that all suspects are currently in custody, exhibits have been secured, and preliminary investigation is ongoing.
