From Paul Osuyi
Delta State Police Command on Sunday confirmed the arrest of one Chief Oviri Onorigho in Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.
The 52-year old accountant with Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, was arrested at his residence by operatives who recovered one beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition during a search.
Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bright Edafe confirmed the arrest in a statement, adding that preliminary investigation revealed that Onorigho is suspected to be a member of Aiye confraternity.
According to Edafe, the suspect told interrogators that he bought the gun from one Morrison (now at large) for !250,000.00 for self protection.
Edafe also confirmed the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a suspected stolen pumping machine, one locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun, and three live cartridges in Ekpan area of the state.
He alleged that one of the suspects, Gift Newworld of stole the pumping machine from a compound, adding that painstaking investigation led to his arrest in his hideout where the exhibits were recovered.
Edafe stated further investigation led to the arrest of his gang member, one Izobo Okwe, who later confessed to being the owner of the gun and a member of the gang.
The police image maker further said another suspect, 32-year old Emeka Okorie from Imo State, was arrested in Asaba with a suspected stolen truck.
He explained that the diesel truck with registration number ENU 564 ZU loaded with 840 crates of Life larger beer, was intercepted a long the Benin-Asaba highway by operatives.
Edafe stated that the truck was stolen from where the driver, one Collins Ogbodo Ude of Lumie Haulage Breweries Company, Enugu parked it at Umuasea Bus Stop in Udi Local Government Area Enugu State.
“With the aid of technically driven intelligence, the truck was located in Delta State and intercepted by operatives of the ‘B’ division.
“One male suspect Emeka Okorie aged 32 years from Imo State was arrested while two other suspects escaped.
“Upon search of the truck, one cut-to-size locally made double barrel pistol and four live cartridges were recovered,” he said.
He added that all the cases were under investigation while the suspects were cooling their heels in police custody.