The Delta State Police Command has arrested a couple, Joshua Bogbon Godwell and his wife, Uche Joshua, in Okpe Local Government Area for allegedly being involved in gun running. The arrest was carried out by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) following credible intelligence.
Police operatives stormed the couple’s residence on March 9, 2025, around 2:30 p.m. and recovered a locally made Beretta pistol along with a single live round, which was reportedly meant for delivery to a client in Sapele.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated, “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.”
Police reports further revealed that Uche confessed to delivering several weapons to different clients in Warri and Sapele under the instructions of her husband.
As the investigation continued, another suspect, Junior Moses Ogedegbe, 30, from Useifurun community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, was arrested for his suspected involvement in the illegal arms trade.
“Our operatives are intensifying efforts to recover more arms and apprehend other members of the gang,” Edafe noted.
In a separate operation, police officers apprehended suspected cultists and armed robbers in different parts of the state. Authorities recovered two pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, a cut-to-size gun, and 24 live cartridges.
Edafe disclosed, “On February 3, 2025, at about 1:45 p.m., 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.”
Following a search of Festus’ residence, police recovered two pump-action guns and 24 live cartridges. Two other suspected cultists, identified as Godspower Moses, also known as Power, and Oloriode Owebe, 24, were also taken into custody during the operation.
Authorities noted that preliminary investigations linked the suspects to the Vikings Confraternity, with further inquiries ongoing.
In another raid, CP-SAT operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper and internet fraudster in Mosogar and surrounding areas. A cut-to-size gun was recovered during the operation.
Edafe stated, “On March 9, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., 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.”
Further investigations resulted in the arrest of two suspected accomplices, Favor Omowo, also known as Voltage, 29, and Gift Omowo, 26, both from 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 added.
