The Delta State Police Command says the five persons brought to its station at Otu-Jeremi in Ughelli South Local Government Area by Otokutu Vigilante are not ritualist but destitute contrary to reports by some online news media.
A rejoinder issued on Thursday night by the Command’s Acting Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, said: “The story making rounds that ritualists were handed over to the police by vigilante is entirely false and as such should be totally disregarded”.
The rejoinder reads in full below:
“The attention of the Delta state command has been drawn to an online publication which says “ HUMAN PARTS SELLER CAUGHT IN OTOKUTU” and series of online publications saying “Vigilante arrest ritualist in Otokutu and handed over to Otu-Jeremi Police Station”. In light of this, the command wishes to state as follows:
“That on the 27/5/21, Otokutu Vigilante brought four male and one female suspects living under Otokutu bridge on suspicion that they are criminal elements.
“But, on close observation and investigation, it was observed that their words are obviously incoherent and they appeared very tattered.
“The five suspects were taken back to the scene, and the place was thoroughly searched and nothing incriminating was found.
“The vigilante who arrested and brought them never made any statement accusing them of being ritualist, neither is there any evidence to prove that they are ritualist.
“Findings only revealed for now that they are destitute who only took refuge under the bridge.
“The story making rounds that ritualists were handed over to the police by vigilante is entirely false and as such should be totally disregarded.
“The Commissioner is also appealing to members of the public, particularly online media handlers to desist from spreading fake news as it will not do anybody any good.
“The command PPRO’s phone number is available 24/7hrs and as such, anyone who wants confirmation can contact the command through the PPRO for clarification.”
