ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Delta State Police Command has achieved a major breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious kidnapping syndicate led by one Owei Abebo, also known as “Adusa,” who had been on the police watchlist since 2021.
Additionally, over 180 internet fraud suspects were apprehended in a separate operation within the state.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on intelligence reports, carried out a strategic raid targeting the gang’s planned abduction of several high-profile individuals in Sapele, Oghara, and surrounding areas.
“In compliance with the directives of the state Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, on intelligence-led operations and proactive policing, operatives of the CP-SAT led by ASP Julius Robinson commenced a tactical mission,” the statement read.
On July 19, 2025, during the early hours, the operatives apprehended a 35-year-old suspect, Peter Benson of Kwale in Ndokwa LGA, identified as a herbalist who performed ritual preparations for the syndicate.
“Following intensive interrogation, Peter Benson led operatives to another suspect, Joseph Saniyo, 63 years old, from Ajakorama Community in Ovia South-West LGA, Edo State,” Edafe said.
“Saniyo, believed to be the syndicate’s chief spiritualist, was found in possession of three live tortoises and other fetish items suspected to be used for fortification rituals.”
READ ALSO: Police Raid Kidnap Gang In Imo, Free Four Hostages
Punch reports that further intelligence led the operatives to Oghara, where they successfully captured the gang leader, Owei Abebo a.k.a. “Adusa,” 42, and two other accomplices Ebi Maye, 41, from Poloborbor Community in Warri North LGA, Delta State, and Happy Obegha, 39, from Aakoroma Community, Ovia North-East LGA, Edo State.
A search of their hideout led to the recovery of 247 rounds of live Submachine Gun (SMG) rifle ammunition.
Edafe added: “Preliminary investigation revealed that their latest plot involved planned coordinated kidnappings across Sapele and Oghara, which was successfully foiled after their arrest.”
In a separate development, the Delta State Police Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, arrested 184 internet fraud suspects during a coordinated raid at a location within the Post Housing Estate, Effurun.
The operation, which took place on July 21, 2025, at about 17:45hrs, was based on credible intelligence regarding suspected cybercrime and terrorism financing activities.
“During the operation, one Kelvin Odini, aged 33, and 183 others involved in online fraud-related activities were arrested.
“Items recovered from the scene include 273 assorted laptops, 97 assorted smartphones, one iPad, one table phone, nine laptop chargers, and two Wi-Fi routers”, Edafe said.
All suspects and exhibits are currently in police custody as investigations continue to identify the full extent of their operations and apprehend additional accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, praised the officers for their professionalism, bravery, and swift action based on credible intelligence.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to intensifying surveillance, intelligence-led operations, and community engagement, stating: “The command is fully committed to making Delta State uninhabitable for criminal syndicates and individuals engaged in activities inimical to peace and development.”