Police Bust Notorious Kidnapping, Sea Piracy Syndicate, Arrest 5 Suspects in Delta
In a major breakthrough against organised crime, the Delta State Police Command has arrested five key members of a notorious kidnapping, armed robbery, and sea piracy syndicate, including two spiritualists linked to the gang’s operations.
The arrests followed a series of intelligence-led raids carried out between July 19 and 20, 2025, police sources said.
The crackdown was conducted by the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) after receiving credible intelligence about the gang’s plot to launch fresh abduction attacks in the Sapele-Oghara axis. The syndicate is said to be led by one Owei Abebo, also known as “Adusa,” who has been on the Command’s watchlist since 2021 for his involvement in high-profile criminal activities across Delta and Edo States.
Police sources disclosed that the operation began with the arrest of a suspected soothsayer, Peter Benson, 35, from Kwale in Ndokwa Local Government Area, who was residing on Scot Road, off Ajagbodudu Road in Oghara. Benson was subsequently used to lure and arrest another key suspect, 63-year-old Joseph Saniyo, from Ajakorama Community in Ovia South West LGA of Edo State.
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Saniyo, believed to be the spiritual backbone of the gang, was arrested at his residence in the Oreki Secondary School Area, Ibori Road, Oghara. A search of his home led to the discovery of three live tortoises and other fetish items, believed to be used in rituals to aid the gang’s criminal operations.
Further investigations led to the arrest of three additional gang members in Oghara town:
Owei Abebo (alias Adusa): Alleged leader of the syndicate, from Ajakorama Community, Edo State.
Ebiaye: A native of Poloborbor Community, Warri North LGA, and resident of the Amukpe Area, Sapele.
Happy Obegha: Also from Ajakorama Community, residing at David Street, behind Winners Church, Oghara.
During a search of the syndicate’s hideout, police recovered 247 rounds of live ammunition for a submachine gun (SMG), along with additional exhibits related to their criminal enterprise.
The suspects are reportedly linked to numerous violent crimes, including kidnappings, sea piracy, armed robbery, and illegal oil bunkering activities spanning Delta and Edo States.
According to police authorities, the gang was in the final stages of executing another series of kidnappings when their plans were foiled by the timely operation. All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The Delta State Police Command reiterated its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and urged residents to continue supporting law enforcement efforts through timely and credible information.
By PRNigeria
