Police crack down on baby seller, fake gin maker, drug peddlers in Delta
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Delta State Police Command has announced a series of high-impact arrests on Friday, targeting child trafficking, counterfeit alcohol production, and drug dealing.
SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, detailed the operations in a statement, emphasising the command’s commitment to public safety.
In a shocking case of child trafficking, police rescued a two-month-old infant after the mother confessed to faking a robbery to cover up the sale.
Rita Ughale, from Kokori in Ethiope East LGA, reported her baby snatched during a tricycle ride on December 15.
But inconsistencies led to her admission: “She had sold her child aged two (2) months old to one Osas Omijie, male, aged 39 years, and Judith Omijie, female, aged 30 years, for the sum of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1,500,000).”
The buyers were arrested, the baby recovered safely, and all suspects remain in custody as accomplices are hunted.
Operatives raided 67-year-old Lydia Osanebi’s home in Ughelli on December 14, uncovering a counterfeit dry gin operation. They seized over 60 liters of adulterated gin, toxic chemicals like methanol and formalin, plus packaging for fake brands.
Edafe noted the suspect “voluntarily confessed to producing and repackaging adulterated dry gin using recycled original bottles for over twenty (20) years.” Methanol’s dangers include “organ failure, permanent blindness, coma and death,” underscoring the public health risk.
On December 18, the CP-Special Assignment Team nabbed 44-year-old Felix Africa in Sapele’s Gana area, recovering eight bags of weeds believed to be Indian hemp.
The suspect “admitted ownership of the exhibits and confessed to engaging in the buying and selling of Indian hemp and other illicit drugs.”
Edafe reaffirmed the command’s resolve, “The Delta State Police Command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard lives and property, protect public health, and ensure the safety and welfare of all residents.”
He urged vigilance, warning against illegal activities and suspicious products, and provided the hotline: 0803 668 4974.
