The Delta State Police Command has arraigned 33 suspects before a Magistrate Court in Asaba over alleged violent disturbances, public nuisance and drug-related offences linked to New Year’s Eve security operations in the state capital.
The police said the suspects were arrested at different locations in Asaba during routine patrols on December 31, following reports of disorderly conduct and activities likely to breach public peace.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Command dismissed what it described as “misleading and malicious” reports by some media, accusing the online platform of sensationalising the arrests and misrepresenting key facts.
Police spokesman, SP Edafe Bright said preliminary investigations established prima facie cases against 33 suspects, who were subsequently charged and arraigned before Magistrate Court 1, Asaba.
“After arraignment, three of the suspects were remanded in custody, while the others were granted bail by the court in line with due process,” the statement said.
The Command also debunked claims that one of the suspects was arrested as a church worshipper or rearrested for speaking to the media.
It stated that, the individual in question was arrested alongside two others inside a Mercedes Benz GLK vehicle parked near Pinnacle Hotel, Asaba, where they were allegedly buying illicit drugs from a suspected dealer.
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“The trio were arrested together with the dealer, and incriminating exhibits were recovered at the scene,” the police said.
The Command disclosed that one of the suspects, who is a member of another security agency, was granted bail and released to his institution pending formal arraignment, stressing that the move was based on the assurance that his agency could secure his appearance in court.
However, the police made it clear that bail does not amount to exoneration.
“The grant of bail does not terminate investigation, nor does it imply innocence. Investigation and prosecution remain ongoing,” the statement added.
Reacting to the controversy generated by the arrests, the Command urged members of the public to ignore what it called “persistent sensationalism and misinformation” being spread by some media.
The police said such reports were aimed at misleading the public and undermining lawful security operations.
“The Delta State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to professionalism, transparency, due process and the rule of law,” the statement said. “We will not be distracted from our constitutional mandate of maintaining public order and safety.”
