The Delta State Police Command has arrested two prime suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, marking a major breakthrough in the high-profile case that shocked residents of the state.
Briefing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner said the Command adopted a proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing strategy, working closely with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional rulers and civil society organisations to combat crime across the state.
Highlighting the Command’s achievements, CP Olufemi announced the arrest of two key suspects linked to the gruesome murder of Justice Okogwu (Rtd), which occurred on November 24, 2025. One of the suspects, identified as Godwin Mngumi.
According to the police boss, the suspect reportedly confessed to the crime and implicated an accomplice, Nnaji Obalum, while a third suspect remains at large.
In another major operation, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU), engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle in the Obiaruku forest on December 1, a suspect was killed during the exchange, while others fled with gunshot injuries. An AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms were recovered.
The Command also recorded multiple arrests of suspected armed robbers and cultists across Abraka, Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele through operations led by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT). These operations resulted in the recovery of pump-action guns, locally fabricated firearms, live cartridges and stolen tricycles.
In a decisive crackdown on drug trafficking, the police arrested 161 suspects during a raid on a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, on December 10.
Recovered substances included Nigerian Loud, Canadian Loud, codeine, ice and tramadol. A subsequent operation on December 13 led to the interception of a bus at the Asaba-Onitsha head bridge, with 109 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol seized and suspects arrested.
Providing a cumulative scorecard for the year, CP Olufemi said the Command recovered a total of 144 firearms, including 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barrel and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns, alongside 6,930 rounds of ammunition. The police also recovered ₦36 million in ransom payments.
Within the same period, the Command arrested 627 suspects, comprising 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists and 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases. Eighteen kidnapped victims were rescued, while 28 vehicles were recovered.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure a safe and crime-free environment.
He urged officers to remain professional and proactive, particularly during the Yuletide season, and called on residents to support the police with timely and credible information.
CP Olufemi commended officers and men of the Command, the media, and community stakeholders for their support, assuring residents that the police are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful festive period across Delta State. Emergency control room numbers were also provided for public assistance.
