Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad of the Delta State Police Command have taken into custody a patent medicine dealer, Ebireri Morisson, residing in Oviorie community, Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government Area. He is alleged to have been found in possession of firearms and ammunition.
According to a statement released on Monday by DSP Bright Edafe, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, the arrest of the 40-year-old patent medicine dealer occurred on October 7, 2023, following credible information that prompted the deployment of police operatives to the community.
The statement read, “Upon searching the premises, one locally fabricated short gun, and one live cartridge were recovered.”
The suspect is currently in custody as an ongoing investigation delves into the matter.
In a separate development, the police spokesperson announced that concerted efforts to eliminate illicit firearms in Delta State led to the apprehension of another suspect in Asaba.
On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, while operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Unit (SACU) conducted a routine patrol along Cable Road, Asaba, they encountered a motorcyclist and his passenger. Upon sighting the patrol team, the two individuals hastily dismounted from the moving motorcycle and fled.
“The suspects were given a hot chase, where one 27-year-old male suspect, Ifakachukwu Igwala from Kwale in Ndokwa-West LGA was arrested,” stated the PPRO.
During the subsequent search of a handbag carried by the suspects, law enforcement officials discovered one locally fabricated Beretta pistol, two 9mm live ammunition, one locally made single barrel shotgun, and one live cartridge.
Preliminary investigation unveiled that the arrested suspect, Ifakachukwu Igwala, operated alongside an accomplice named Kelvin, whose last name is unknown and is currently at large.
The apprehended suspect remains in custody, while efforts to apprehend his fleeing accomplice are ongoing.
| Punch Newspaper