Delta police arrest four in phone‑theft syndicate, recover gadgets

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a phone‑stealing syndicate in Asaba and recovered nine brand‑new Android phones.

This was revealed in a statement on Monday by SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command.

“The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained efforts to curb robbery and other property‑related crimes with the arrest of four suspected members of a phone stealing syndicate and the recovery of nine brand new Android phones,” said SP Edafe.

Operatives acting on credible and technical intelligence arrested the suspects on 25 July 2026 at a hideout along St. Brigid’s Road, Asaba.

The suspects—Johna Omarocha, Kelvin Onogho, Nkechi Nnaji and Ufuoma Joshua—were found with nine phones still in their cartons.

Preliminary investigations indicate the group stole new phones from retail shops, used newspapers to conceal items while exiting, and allegedly routed phones to Lagos where IMEI numbers were altered before sale.

“The suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and identify the owners of the recovered phones,” the PPRO added.

The four are in custody and will be charged after investigations conclude.

CP Yemi Oyeniyi reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling crime and urged shop owners and the public to “remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the Police.”