Police Smash Human Trafficking Cartel in Warri; Rescue 10 Victims; Nab Kidnappers of Couple who went to church on New Year Eve.

The Zone 5 Police Command, Benin, has smashed a human trafficking cartel in Warri, Delta State, arrested the kingpins and rescued 10 human trafficking victims from the hideout of the cartel.

The Zone 5 Command also arrested a criminal and kidnapping gang which abducted a couple who went for New Year eve prayers and were returning home after service when they were kiidnapped by 12. 45 am on 1^st January 2017 at Effurun roundabout, Warri, Delta State.

At the Effurun hideout of the kidnap gang, the Police recovered several dangerous weapons and ammunition including AK 47 rifle, Brownie Pistols, Dynamite and LAR rifle.

Giving details of the successful operations to Vanguard, Public Relations Officer of the Zone, DSP Emeka Iheanacho said, “On 19 January 2017, Operatives of Zone 5 Police Command nabbed a cartel that specialize in human trafficking in Warri, Delta State.

“The suspects include Mrs. Cynthia Ogbeide, Chioma Douglas and Paul Onome. They were arrested at their hideout at Okere in Warri.

“This followed a petition to the AIG Zone 5, Benin, AIG Mohammed Adamu on criminal allegation of abduction, exploitative labour and human trafficking against Mrs Cynthia Ogbeide and her cohorts.

“The petitioner alleged that sometime in 2016, she was chatting on face book and met Mrs. Ogbeide and they became friends. At a point Ogbeide invited her to Warri, to assist her secure a job.

“She said that having spent 2 days in Warri without any job; she became worried and wanted to return to Benin. It was at that point that the (prime suspect), Mrs. Ogbeide told her that nobody visits her place and goes back again.

“The petitioner narrated how the suspect brought several women who slept with her and others. She further accused the suspect and other members of the cartel of serial abuses, exploitative labour, human trafficking and other abominable acts.

“The petitioner said that upon credible information available to her, the suspect had perfected plans to sell her and others to several unknown persons which apparently caused fear and invariably resulted to her escape to Benin.

The suspect (Mrs. Ogbeide) having noticed danger by the escape of the petitioner and others, ran to the Police station in Warri and alleged a case of kidnapping against her.

She (the suspect) traced the petitioner to Benin and since she could not find her, she arrested her parents and other relations to Warri.

“This situation angered the petitioner which necessitated the petition to Zone 5 headquarters.

“Consequent upon discreet investigation and surveillance, 2 other members of the gang, Chioma Douglas, Paul Onome were arrested.

“10 other victims of trafficking were rescued. Investigations have been concluded and suspects will be charged to court.”

On the case of Kidnapping, DSP Iheanacho said, “Operatives of Zone 5 headquarters, Nigerian Police on 17 January 2017, upon credible information and discreet investigation arrested Emmanuel Ogbeni and Osimi Enakhirua who were involved in the kidnapping of one Blessing Ejowhokeogere Dukuye with his wife Joy Ese Dukuye on 1, January 2017 at about 12. 45 am around DSC roundabout, Effurn Delta State as the couple were returning from New Year church service.

“The suspects were arrested from their various hide out in Alaka area and PTI road all in Effurun area.

“Consequent upon executing search warrant on the houses and premises of the suspects, the following items were recovered- 1 LAR rifle no 1633972, 1 AK 47 rifle no 3869, 1 pump action gun no 12-76 NBD Ts 870, 1 Brownie pistol no 951, 3 units 7.62mm live ammunition.

“Others were 15 rounds of Brownie pistol live ammunition, 1 unit 5. 58 live ammunition, 2 live cartridges, cash of N1. 8million, 1 army camouflage, I dynamite, weeds suspected to be Indian hemp and 1 red T-shirt.

“Meanwhile, the suspects have made useful statements to the Police and will soon be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.”

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