Delta Police Nab Notorious Church-Burglary Syndicate, Recover Musical Equipment

Asaba, Delta State – The Delta State Police Command has arrested two members of a notorious robbery syndicate that has been targeting churches in the state, specializing in the theft of musical equipment.

The suspects, identified as Patrick Emete and Alex Uwagbafor, were captured by diligent operatives from the Orerokpe police station following a reported burglary at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in the area.

The spokesperson of the command, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Sunday, December 3, 2023.

The modus operandi of the criminal duo involved targeting religious institutions, with a specific focus on pilfering musical equipment from churches.

According to the PPRO, the suspects who also specialize in breaking into homes and shops, carted away several church instruments, loudspeakers, three generator sets, fifteen large mixers amplifiers, four keyboards, twelve power amplifiers, one complete drum set, among other items.

“The Orerokpe Divisional Police Headquarters of the Delta State Police Command arrested two suspects for their infamous strings of church break-ins in Delta State. Police received information on 17/11/2023 at about 1600hrs 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,” the statement read.

“Sequel to the report, the DPO Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware swiftly mobilized and led his operatives to assess the scene of the crime. Afterward, 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.

“As we edge closer to the year’s festivities, CP Abass wishes to dispel any notion that seeks to cast doubt on the work of the command’s effectiveness in eradicating crime in Delta state. He assures that efforts are being solidified to boost and enhance the effectiveness of the men during the festivities and beyond.

“Lastly, he again calls for the support of the public in fighting crime within the region. On this note, credible information can be shared with the police through the nearest police station, or the office of the Police Public Relations Office.”