Delta State Police Command has arrested a couple allegedly involved in illegal arms trafficking and recovered multiple firearms in separate operations across the state.
The couple, identified as Joshua Bogbon Godwell and his wife, Uche Joshua, were apprehended on March 9, 2025, at their residence in Okpe Local Government Area following a sting operation by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Edafe Bright disclosed this in a press statement on Thursday, 13th March, 2025, adding that it also recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol with a single live round of ammunition from the couple, who reportedly planned to deliver the weapon to a client in Sapele.
According to the Edafe, Mrs. Uche Joshua confessed to being responsible for delivering firearms on her husband’s instructions. She admitted to having transported multiple weapons to various clients in Warri and Sapele.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Junior Moses Ogedegbe (30), from Useifurun community in Ughelli South LGA, who is believed to be part of the syndicate. Police said efforts were ongoing to recover more arms and apprehend other members of the gang.
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In related operations, CP-SAT operatives arrested suspected cultists and gunrunners in Sapele, Oghara, Jesse, and Mosogar. Among them was Stephen Oma Odu (25), a suspected gunrunner on the police wanted list, arrested in Sapele. His confession led to the arrest of Abel Festus, aka “Tompolo” (42), in Oghara, where police recovered two pump-action guns and 24 rounds of live cartridges. Two other suspected cultists, Godspower Moses and Oloriode Owebe (24), were also arrested.
Similarly, operatives arrested Festus Oboyo (26), a suspected kidnapper and internet fraudster in Mosogar. A search of his residence led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun with a single cartridge and an FBI impersonation document linked to cyber fraud. Two of his alleged associates, Favor Omowo, aka “Voltage” (29), and Gift Omowo (26), were also taken into custody.
The Police spokesman further disclosed that investigations were ongoing to dismantle the arms trafficking network and other criminal groups in the state.
“We are committed to ensuring a safer Delta State by tracking down and apprehending criminals involved in gunrunning, cultism, and kidnapping. The suspects in custody are helping with further investigations, and we will ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The police urged residents to provide credible information that could assist in ongoing security operations across the state.
