The Delta State Police Command’s CP-Special Assignment Team detained Joshua Bogbon Godwell and his wife, Uche Joshua, in the state’s Okpe Local Government Area for alleged participation in gun running.
Acting on credible intelligence, the police invaded their home on March 9, 2025, around 2:30 p.m., and discovered a manufactured Beretta pistol with a single live bullet intended for delivery to a client in Sapele.
The state police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest on Thursday, saying, “Following a well-coordinated sting operation, our officers arrested the couple in Okpe LGA and recovered a locally fabricated Beretta pistol in their possession. The wife, Uche Joshua, admitted to being the dispatcher of illegal arms for her husband.”
According to the police, Uche confessed that she had “delivered several arms as directed by her husband to various clients within Warri and Sapele.”
Further investigations led to the arrest of one Junior Moses Ogedegbe, 30, of the Useifurun community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, who was suspected of being a syndicate member.
“Our operatives are intensifying efforts to recover more arms and apprehend other members of the gang,” Edafe added.
In a separate operation, CP-SAT agents apprehended suspected cultists and armed robbers throughout the state, seizing two pump-action firearms, one Beretta pistol, one cut-to-size gun, and 24 live cartridges.
Edafe disclosed, “On February 3, 2025, at about 1:45 pm, operatives, acting on intelligence, arrested a wanted cultist and gun runner, Stephen Oma Odu, 25, of Obagho community, Warri North LGA, in Sapele town. His confession led to the arrest of Abel Festus, aka Tompolo, 42, of Oghareki community, Ethiope West LGA.”
He further disclosed, “A search of Festus’ apartment led to the recovery of two pump-action guns and 24 live cartridges. Two other suspected cultists, Godspower Moses, also known as Power, and Oloriode Owebe, 24, were also apprehended during the raid.”
According to the police spokesman, early investigations have identified the suspects as Vikings Confraternity members, and further investigations are underway.
In another event, CP-SAT agents apprehended a suspected kidnapper and online fraudster in Mosogar and the surrounding areas, recovering a cut-to-size revolver.
“On March 9, 2025, at about 6:30 am, our officers raided Jesse and Mosogar towns, leading to the arrest of Festus Oboyo, 26, of Igbopa community, Ethiope West LGA. A search of his residence uncovered a locally made gun with a single cartridge and an FBI impersonation document carrying his picture, which he allegedly used for online fraud,” Edafe stated.
Investigations led to the arrest of two suspected accomplices, Favour Omowo, also known as Voltage, 29, of Jesse town, and Gift Omowo, 26, of Jesse community.
“The trail of other fleeing gang members is ongoing, and we will not rest until all criminal elements are brought to justice,” Edafe said.
