Delta Police Dismantle Syndicate, Recover ₦23 Million, Phones, Ladders

A notorious syndicate of thieves and fraudsters, known for targeting unsuspecting individuals and relieving them of valuable possessions such as phones, motorcycles, and jewelry, while also plundering their bank accounts, has been dismantled in Delta State.

The syndicate members were apprehended by the CP-Special Assignment Team between Monday, August 11, and Saturday, August 16, 2025, following credible intelligence regarding their nefarious activities.

The syndicate had defrauded approximately ₦23.5 million from around twelve victims before the police intervened.

In a statement released on Saturday, August 16, State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe confirmed the recovery of several exhibits from the suspects, including approximately 42 stolen iPhones and lady bikes.

Providing a detailed account of the suspects’ modus operandi, SP Edafe explained that they often approached their victims under the pretense of seeking directions, subsequently hypnotizing them to facilitate extortion and fraud.

“The suspects include Ibrukoko, a 32-year-old male from Ovu community, Ethiope East LGA; Obruche Actor, a 31-year-old male from Emede community in Isoko South LGA; Lucky Umukoro, a 28-year-old male from Eku community in Ethiope East LGA; Emmanuel Buruutu, a 22-year-old male from Agbarho community, Burutu LGA; Musa Abdulahi, a 27-year-old male from Kafancha, Jamma’a LGA of Kaduna State; Sokoh, a 30-year-old male from Ovwian community in Udu LGA; Preye Julius, a 36-year-old male; and Kadija Abass, a 30-year-old female from Gidama community, Ilela LGA, Sokoto State.

“The suspects operated in Warri, Ughelli, and other parts of Delta and Edo States.

“Recovered exhibits include two Toyota Camrys with registration numbers LND-809-HE and KSF-61-JU, and sixteen suspected stolen iPhones.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the suspects have defrauded their victims of over twenty-three million, five hundred thousand naira (₦23,500,000). The number of stolen iPhones is around forty-two, and the number of defrauded victims is twelve. Suspects and exhibits are in custody, and investigations are ongoing.”

In a related development, the police in Ekpan Division have apprehended one Esquire Stanley, who masqueraded as a customer to hire ladders, which he never returned.

Edafe stated, “The DPO Ekpan police, upon receiving numerous complaints regarding stolen ladders, where suspects posed as customers and failed to return the ladders they hired, initiated an intelligence-led investigation on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, resulting in the arrest of Esquire Stanley.

The suspect admitted to selling the ladders for twenty thousand naira each, despite their normal market value being two hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦250,000). Three additional victims have identified the suspect.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of the receivers, identified as Chinedu Okorie, Orgi Abara, Philip Augustine, and Obone Jevweu.

A total of eleven suspected stolen ladders were recovered, and investigations are ongoing. Ten suspects are in custody.”