Two members of a robbery syndicate that specializes in breaking into churches and carting away their musical instruments in Delta State have been arrested.
The two suspects, Patrick Emete and Alex Uwagbafor were separately arrested recently by operatives of the Orerokpe Divisional Police Headquarters of the Delta State Police Command.
According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, the Orerokpe Divisional Police Headquarters had on Friday, November 17, 2023, received a complaint about a “break-in at Redeem Christian Church of God, a.k.a “Dominion Mega”, where several church musical instruments were carted away from the church. Sequel to the report, the DPO Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware swiftly mobilized and led his operatives to assess the scene of the crime. Afterwards, an operation was planned and executed on the strength of the items that were carted away.
“Consequently, on 19/11/23, Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen amplifiers for sale on his Facebook page. Immediately detectives offered to buy the said item, lured and trailed the suspect to Effurun Roundabout, where he was apprehended at about 1304hrs of the same date.
“Following the confession of the 36-year-old apprehended suspect, Patrick Emete of Ughoton Community, one of his associates, Alex Uwagbafor, aged 45 years of New Era Clinic Deco Road, Warri was also arrested.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that these suspects are notorious and unrepentant thieves who specialize in burgling churches, shops, and homes. Items recovered from suspects are twenty big loudspeakers; three generator sets; fifteen large mixers amplifiers; four keyboards; twelve power amplifiers; ten industrial standing fans; one complete drum set; one guitar; one power mic; two standing freeze; two plasma televisions; two home theaters; one washing machine; three stabilizers; three handsaws; one clipper; one microwave; one small oven; and one gas cylinder.
“In sequence to the ongoing investigation, a clergyman (name withheld) also alleged that his church was burgled. On 30/11/23 at about 1632hrs, upon questioning, the suspects admitted and further led the operatives to Eburu Street Warri, where more stolen items were recovered. These items include eleven big loudspeakers; five professional power amplifiers, six professional mixers; one Serato DJ deck; one Pioneer DJ deck; one plasma TV; four big generators; one generator without a tank; one power microphone set; one projector; two sets of English mini drums; and one big stabilizer.
“Meanwhile, frantic efforts are ongoing to recover more stolen items. The suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly, upon the conclusion of the investigation.”
