By Christopher Oji
The Delta State Police Command has busted an illegal wine factory in the Bomadi area and arrested a suspect.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwanda, announced the arrest during a press briefing yesterday at the Police Headquarters in Asaba. The suspect, identified as Chiemenam Adigwe, 45, a native of Akpo community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended with over 100 bottles of fake alcoholic beverages, including Gordons, Chelsea, Eagle Schnapps, and McDowell’s.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect mixes ethanol with water, adds flavour, and packages the concoction in empty bottles of Gordons, Chelsea, and McDowell’s, which he usually buys from Onitsha,” the CP stated. “He also informed his customers that he ordered the drinks from Onitsha, Anambra State.”
The CP highlighted the command’s achievements within the past month, stating, “On April 25, 2024, at approximately 11 am, the Command received intelligence about a suspect producing fake alcoholic drinks in Bomadi. I directed the DPO Bomadi Division to investigate the information and ensure the suspect’s arrest. Following my directive, the DPO Bomadi division led operatives to the suspect’s hideout, where he was apprehended. The suspect is currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.”
He mentioned that Ughelli had become a hotspot, prompting him to deploy a special squad to the area. The squad, currently stationed in Ughelli, has successfully arrested six suspected kidnappers, recovered one pump-action gun, three Beretta pistols, one revolver pistol, and one locally made cut-to-size gun. They have also rescued three kidnapped victims thus far.
The command successfully neutralized a notorious kidnapper and rescued two of his victims in Okuno, Orogun, Ughelli North LGA, where they were hiding with other kidnapped victims. The command recovered one AK-47 rifle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“The two kidnapped victims (names withheld) were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families. The injured suspect was taken to the hospital, where he died while receiving treatment. A manhunt for the other fleeing suspects is ongoing,” the CP added.
He also reported a case of infanticide reported at Oleh Division, where a suspect, Sofia Nkwor, 24, from Isoko South LGA, dumped her one-year-and-one-month-old child in a well along the road in Araya community, Isoko South LGA. “Children playing around the well discovered the abandoned child floating in the water. The mother, Sofia Nkwor, was immediately arrested, and she confessed to dumping the child on April 26, 2024. The suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.”