The Zone 16 Police Command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has paraded ten teenagers suspected of involvement in Internet fraud, possession of charms, illicit drugs, and participation in diabolical ritual activities. The suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, following a covert police operation.
Addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Yenagoa, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, Ewhoborwo Emonena Gunn, revealed the names of the suspects, who include nine males and one female. The suspects are I’ve Godwill (23), Princewill Oguama (20), Anyanwu Oluebube (19), Tochukwu Ajaegbu (27), Daniel Samuel (21), Akanimoh Joshua (22), Chukwunye Ubeh (19), Peter James (28), Gentle Nelson (22), and Ruth Kossiwa (22).
Gunn explained that the suspects were arrested on Monday at a residence located at No. 4, Peterson Avenue, Ogbogoro, Port Harcourt.
“Their arrest followed the conduct of a covert operation by the operatives upon the receipt of intelligent information, wherein hard drugs and charms were recovered,” Gunn said.
According to the police, the suspects confessed during interrogation to being involved in a series of fraudulent activities.
“The suspects upon interrogation confessed to have been involved in a series of fraudulent activities as evidence speaks volumes,” Gunn added.
He assured that the suspects would be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are completed.
The Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Zone 16, Paul Alifa Omata, reaffirmed the commitment of the police force to protecting the lives and property of residents in Bayelsa and Rivers states. Gunn emphasized that the police are fulfilling their constitutional mandate and that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
During the briefing, the only female suspect, Ruth Kossiwa, claimed she was visiting her boyfriend when she was arrested.
“I was there to visit my boyfriend of one month when I was arrested alongside others on Monday morning,” she told newsmen.
In a related development, Zone 16 police officers recovered a Beretta pistol with several rounds of .9mm calibre ammunition at Okaki Junction in Yenagoa, where a gang of armed robbers had been terrorizing residents.