The Delta State Police Command has apprehended a syndicate involved in phone snatching operations, targeting unsuspecting passengers in tricycles across the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, disclosed this in a recorded video shared on his Instagram account on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
In the video, he explained that the suspects used a well-planned distraction technique to steal from their victims. The gang included a tricycle rider and an accomplice who posed as a passenger.
During the trip, one of them would deliberately cough and spit on the victim to create a diversion, allowing another member to snatch the phone unnoticed. The stolen devices were then quickly sold to black market dealers.
One of the victims recounted how he boarded a tricycle with two suspects acting as fellow passengers. While on the way, one of them started coughing and spitting on him, making him uncomfortable. Upon reaching his destination, he checked his pocket and realized his phone was missing.
Another victim shared a similar experience while heading to Federal Medical Center, FMC, only discovering his phone was gone after leaving the tricycle.
Read also: Police smash robbery syndicate, arrest 4 other suspects for various offences in Delta
Following police investigations, multiple stolen phones were recovered, and one of the victims was able to identify his device.
A suspect, Emeka, confessed to being part of the operation, identifying the tricycle rider, Michael, as his accomplice. He admitted that after successfully stealing phones, they sold them at low prices.
SP Edafe Bright warned tricycle passengers to always hold their phones securely in their hands to avoid falling victim to such tactics. He reassured the public of the police force’s commitment to ensuring safety and bringing criminals to justice.
The Delta State Police Command is conducting further investigations to track down other accomplices linked to the syndicate.
