By Gabriel Elozino
The Delta State Police Command says it rescued a 25-year-old woman allegedly held hostage in Usiefrun and arrested five suspects in separate operations involving an alleged kidnapping conspiracy and a cult-related murder investigation.
Police also reported recovering a fabricated Beretta pistol, a magazine, two rounds of ammunition, a battle axe, four cutlasses and a hammer. Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed the operations in a statement on Sunday, October 4. Oasis Magazine reported details from the statement.
Key Highlights
- Police said they rescued a 25-year-old woman allegedly held hostage in Usiefrun.
- A 29-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the incident, and a fabricated pistol and ammunition were recovered.
- Two men were arrested over the alleged murder of a 25-year-old man identified as Godfrey.
- Two other suspects were arrested over an alleged kidnapping conspiracy in Abraka.
- Police said suspects were assisting with investigations; two other men named in the murder inquiry remained at large.
Police Rescue Woman in Usiefrun
According to the police statement, officers from Otu-Jeremi Division, acting on intelligence from Ovwian-Aladja Division, went to Usiefrun community at about 8:30 a.m. on October 3. They rescued a 25-year-old woman who police said had allegedly been assaulted and held hostage.
A 29-year-old man, Brotugbare Francis Onome, was arrested in connection with the incident. Police said a search of the premises led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol, one magazine and two rounds of live ammunition.
Two Arrested in Cult-Related Murder Inquiry
In a separate operation, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested Ezekiel Sunday Izomor, 23, and Emmanuel Ogaganefe, 23, in Oghara on October 1. Police said the arrests followed intelligence from a viral video allegedly showing suspected cult members celebrating a murder.
The men are being investigated in connection with the killing of a 25-year-old man identified as Godfrey at Jesse Main Market in Ethiope West Local Government Area on March 24, 2026. Police said they recovered a battle axe, four cutlasses and a hammer during the operation.
Police said preliminary investigations suggested a man identified as Collins allegedly conspired with the two arrested suspects and another man, Richman, over the killing. The command alleged the plot was linked to a bid for leadership in the Aro Bagger confraternity. Collins and Richman remained at large, police said. These are allegations under investigation; the arrested suspects have not been convicted.
Two Arrested Over Alleged Kidnap Plot in Abraka
Also on October 1, operatives of the Abraka Division, working with civilian anti-cult operatives, arrested Endurance Akpade, 37, and Edwin Friday Morgan, 43, over an alleged conspiracy to kidnap a woman in Abraka.
The suspects were taken into police custody and were assisting investigators, according to the command.
Police Commissioner Commends Operatives
Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Samuel E. Erale commended the officers for their response and intelligence sharing. He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and urged residents to provide credible information to the police.
Erale also urged young people to shun cultism, which he said could destroy their future.
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