By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a phone theft syndicate and recovered nine brand new Android phones in a major breakthrough against property-related crimes in the state.
The suspects, identified as Johna Omarocha, Kelvin Onogho, Nkechi Nnaji and Ufuoma Joshua, were arrested on July 25, 2026, during a police operation at their hideout along St. Brigid’s Road in Asaba.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation followed a series of reported thefts of mobile phones from retail shops in Asaba and surrounding communities. Acting on credible intelligence and technical analysis, operatives of the command tracked down and apprehended the suspects.
Edafe said a search of the hideout led to the recovery of nine brand new Android phones still in their cartons.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects belong to a syndicate specialising in stealing new mobile phones from retail outlets. The police said the suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Investigators further revealed that the syndicate allegedly posed as genuine customers in shops and supermarkets. While pretending to make purchases, members reportedly concealed mobile phones with newspapers before secretly taking them away.
Police also alleged that the female suspect in the group was responsible for sending the stolen phones to Lagos through transport services, where the devices’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers were allegedly altered before the phones were resold.
The command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large and to identify the rightful owners of the recovered phones.
The four suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating robbery and other forms of crime across the state.
He urged shop owners, business operators and residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons and activities to the police to enhance public safety.
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