Crime
Delta Police Arrest Suspects, Seize Hard Drugs in Statewide Raids
The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested several suspects and recovered large quantities of suspected hard drugs during recent operations across the state.
In a statement issued on 18 April 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the raids were part of efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes.
According to police, operatives raided a drug hideout in Ugholo community on 15 April, arresting a 33-year-old woman identified as Justina Onokpasa.
Officers reportedly recovered “two large bags of weeds suspected to be Canadian loud,” along with hundreds of smaller containers and other substances believed to be illegal drugs.
Other items listed include codeine, tramadol, molly drugs, and empty distribution cans.
Police said:
“Suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing.”
More arrests in Abraka drug crackdown
A separate operation in Abraka on 16 April led to the arrest of three additional suspects.
The State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) carried out the raid, recovering what authorities described as “large quantities of weed suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.”
The police added that all suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
Police commissioner praises officers, urges public support
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended officers involved in the operations.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling drug-related crimes and called on residents to assist law enforcement.
“The Command will sustain the operations and urges the public to continue to support the Police with credible information,” the statement said.
CP tours Asaba, warns against misconduct
In a related development, the police commissioner conducted a security tour across strategic locations in Asaba, including the Second Niger Bridge and Ugbolu–Illah Road.
During the visit, he addressed officers and stressed the importance of professionalism and respect for human rights.
He warned personnel against misconduct, including extortion and harassment.
“The command will not tolerate any form of misconduct or complaints from the public,” he said.
He added that officers must remain vigilant while engaging the public with “courtesy and respect.”
Why it matters
Drug trafficking remains a major concern in parts of southern Nigeria, often linked to organised crime and violent offences such as kidnapping.
Security analysts say sustained enforcement operations could help disrupt criminal networks but stress the importance of due process and community trust.
Residents in affected areas have repeatedly called for stronger policing, alongside rehabilitation programmes for drug users.
Public and expert perspectives
Security experts say drug raids can reduce crime if combined with intelligence-led policing.
However, they warn that heavy-handed tactics or misconduct by officers could undermine public cooperation.
Community leaders in Delta State have also urged authorities to focus on prevention, including youth engagement and education.
What’s next
Police say investigations are ongoing and further arrests may follow.
Authorities are also expected to intensify surveillance in identified hotspots across the state.
Crime
Nigeria Police Extradite Murder, Drug Trafficking Suspect to UK
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected fugitive, Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi, to the United Kingdom to face charges of murder and drug trafficking.
The handover, carried out on 14 April 2026 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, follows a years-long investigation into the suspect’s alleged crimes.
What the suspect is accused of
According to police, UK authorities had requested Adebiyi’s extradition in September 2024 over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu on 18 June 2018.
Investigators say he fled to Nigeria shortly after the incident.
He is also accused of supplying crack cocaine, classified as a Class-A drug, between October 2017 and March 2018 in the UK.
How the arrest and extradition happened
The suspect was arrested on 23 January 2025 by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja.
Legal proceedings followed at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
On 16 February 2026, Justice A.O. Faji approved the extradition request under Nigeria’s Extradition Act.
Authorities then executed a surrender warrant, leading to Adebiyi’s transfer to UK law enforcement officials.
Police reaffirm global cooperation
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, said the extradition highlights Nigeria’s commitment to international policing.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening international police cooperation and ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.”
Why it matters
The case underscores growing collaboration between Nigeria and international law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational crime.
Security analysts say such actions could improve Nigeria’s global reputation in crime prevention and justice enforcement.
It also sends a signal to suspects attempting to evade justice across borders.
Industry and public perspective
Criminal justice experts note that extradition cases often involve lengthy legal processes and diplomatic coordination.
Public reactions on social media have largely supported the move, with many calling for continued crackdowns on cross-border criminal networks.
What happens next
Adebiyi is expected to stand trial in the UK, where prosecutors will present evidence related to both the murder and drug trafficking allegations.
If convicted, he could face significant prison time under UK law.
Crime
Lagos Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspects, Recover Gun, Ammunition in Sangotedo
Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested three suspected armed robbers following reported attacks at a residential estate in Sangotedo, Lagos.
The incidents, which involved conspiracy and armed robbery, occurred on April 11 and April 13, 2026, according to police authorities.
How the arrests happened
Police said the suspects, Balogun Teslim, Suleman Balogun, and Peter Oluwagbemi were apprehended after officers responded to a distress call from residents.
Recovered items included a locally made pistol loaded with six rounds of 9mm ammunition, face masks, ropes, a hammer, pliers, cellophane tape, and black jackets.
Authorities say the items are believed to have been used in carrying out the attacks.
Mob attack and police intervention
Before police arrived, members of the public reportedly attacked the suspects.
Officers later rescued them and took them to a police medical facility, where they are receiving treatment.
The police warned against mob justice, stressing the importance of allowing law enforcement to handle criminal cases.
Suspects confess, gang leader at large
Police said two of the suspects have confessed to the crimes and identified a man named Kinsley as the alleged gang leader.
The suspect is currently on the run, and efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest him.
Police warning on ‘jungle justice’
The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Tijani Fatai, reiterated the command’s stance against violent crime and cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands.
“The Command has zero tolerance for violent crimes and strongly warns against jungle justice.”
He urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly through official channels.
Why it matters
Rising concerns about security in fast-growing Lagos suburbs like Sangotedo have made community-police cooperation increasingly important.
This arrest highlights both the role of citizen vigilance and the risks associated with mob action, which can undermine justice and endanger lives.
Public advisory and emergency lines
Residents are encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious movements to the police via emergency numbers:
07061019374
08065154338
08063299264
08039344870
09168630929
What’s next
Police say investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle the wider criminal network.
Crime
Delta Police Arrest Four Suspects, Foil Cult Initiation, Recover Guns, Drugs
The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspects and disrupted a suspected cult initiation, recovering firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs in coordinated operations across the state.
The police said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to curb cultism and violent crime, which remain a major security concern in parts of southern Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives carried out the operations in Orerokpe and Ibusa between 11 and 12 April.
Arrest of suspected cult leader
Police said officers from the Delta Shield unit intercepted a 32-year-old suspect, identified as Peter Onajite, during a surveillance patrol in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrel cut-to-size pistol, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and sachets of suspected Tramadol.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to being the leader of Juris Confraternity,” the statement said.
The suspect remains in custody while investigations continue.
Cult initiation foiled in Ibusa
In a separate operation, police said they acted on intelligence about a planned cult initiation linked to a suspect identified as Chinedu Onyeama, who is currently at large.
Officers from the Ibusa Police Division raided a location on Jordan Road, leading to the arrest of three suspects, including a female.
Items recovered at the scene included an English-made Beretta pistol with one round of live ammunition, three battle axes, a hammer, a cutlass, and 39 firelighters.
Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect.
Why it matters
Cult-related violence has long been linked to killings, intimidation, and criminal networks in parts of Delta State and the wider Niger Delta region.
Security agencies have increased intelligence-led operations in recent years, aiming to dismantle cult groups and reduce violent clashes, particularly among youth.
The recovery of weapons during these operations highlights ongoing concerns about the circulation of illegal firearms.
Police reaction
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the officers involved.
“The operatives demonstrated professionalism and prompt response,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the command’s stance on tackling violent crime:
“The Police will continue to clamp down on cult-related activities and other violent crimes.”
Industry and public perspective
Security analysts say such operations are critical but must be sustained.
Residents in affected communities have also called for increased patrols and intelligence gathering to prevent retaliatory attacks.
What’s next
Police say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected, particularly in connection with the fleeing suspect linked to the Ibusa incident.
Authorities are also urging members of the public to provide information that could help track down criminal networks.
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