By Deborah Nnamdi
Operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad, under the Delta State Police Command, have arrested a 47-year-old native doctor, Okonji Chimeze, in connection with the possession of illegal firearms.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Tuesday in Asaba. According to Edafe, the operation was based on credible intelligence which led officers to raid the suspect’s residence in Ibuza at about 6:30 a.m. on June 14, 2025.
“During the search, executed under a valid warrant, officers recovered two automatic pump-action shotguns and a cutlass hidden in the ceiling of the suspect’s room,” Edafe said.
He added that both the suspect and the recovered items are currently in police custody pending further investigation.
In a related development, the Eagle-Net Surveillance Team stationed in Ughelli North Local Government Area intercepted a black Toyota Corolla with registration number RSH 90 RC during a routine stop-and-search operation at Otokutu Bridge, Warri.
The vehicle was reportedly driven by 27-year-old Telvin Richmond, accompanied by 26-year-old Frank Obiorah, both residents of Opete by Otokutu. A thorough search of the car revealed a cache of weapons concealed within the door compartments, including a locally made cut-to-size gun, a wooden pistol, a battle axe, and two yellow hand-bands inscribed with “NBM” (Neo Black Movement).
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects are members of the Aiye confraternity. According to police, they admitted to purchasing the firearm in 2024 for N87,000 from a currently unidentified suspect who remains at large.
