Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a couple, Joshua Bogbon Godwell and his wife, Uche Joshua, in Okpe Local Government Area over alleged involvement in gun running.
Acting on credible intelligence, police officers stormed their residence on March 9, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m., where they recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with a single live round intended for delivery to a client in Sapele.
Confirming the arrest on Thursday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated: “Following a well-coordinated sting operation, our officers apprehended the couple in Okpe LGA and recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol. During interrogation, the wife, Uche Joshua, admitted to being responsible for delivering illegal arms on behalf of her husband.”
According to the police, Uche confessed to having delivered multiple arms to clients in Warri and Sapele under her husband’s instructions.
Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, Junior Moses Ogedegbe, 30, of Useifurun community in Ughelli South LGA, believed to be part of the syndicate.
“Our operatives are intensifying efforts to recover more arms and apprehend other members of the gang,” Edafe added.
In a separate operation, CP-SAT operatives arrested suspected cultists and armed robbers in various parts of the state, recovering two pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, a cut-to-size gun, and 24 live cartridges.
Providing details, Edafe disclosed that on February 3, 2025, at about 1:45 p.m., officers acting on intelligence arrested a wanted cultist and gunrunner, Stephen Oma Odu, 25, of Obagho community, Warri North LGA, in Sapele town.
His confession led to the arrest of Abel Festus, also known as “Tompolo,” 42, of Oghareki community in Ethiope West LGA.
“A search of Festus’ apartment resulted in the recovery of two pump-action guns and 24 live cartridges.
During the raid, two other suspected cultists, Godspower Moses, alias ‘Power,’ and Oloriode Owebe, 24, were also apprehended,” Edafe revealed.
Preliminary investigations identified the suspects as members of the Vikings Confraternity, and further probes are ongoing.
In another operation, CP-SAT operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper and internet fraudster in Mosogar and its surrounding areas, recovering a cut-to-size gun.
Edafe stated that on March 9, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., officers raided Jesse and Mosogar towns, leading to the arrest of Festus Oboyo, 26, of Igbopa community in Ethiope West LGA.
A search of his residence uncovered a locally made gun with a single cartridge, as well as an FBI impersonation document featuring his picture, which he allegedly used for online fraud.
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of two suspected accomplices: Favor Omowo, also known as “Voltage,” 29, of Jesse town, and Gift Omowo, 26, of Jesse community.
“The search for other fleeing gang members is ongoing, and we will not relent until all criminal elements are brought to justice,” Edafe assured.
