Police operatives in Delta state have arrested four members of a phone-stealing gang operating in Asaba. Nine brand new Android phones still in their original boxes were recovered from the suspects' hideouts during raids along St Brigid's Road.
The suspects arrested on the 25th of this month are Johna Omarocha, Kelvin Onogho, Ufuoma Joshua, and Nkechi Nnaji. All four have already confessed to their involvement in the thefts, according to the Delta Police Command.
Commissioner of Police Yemi Onyeniyi disclosed the arrests on Sunday through the command's spokesman, Bright Edafe. He said operatives launched the operation after receiving multiple reports of mobile phone thefts from shops across Asaba and surrounding areas.
The police relied on credible intelligence and technical analysis to track down the criminals. Some gang members managed to escape during the raids, and authorities are continuing efforts to arrest them.
Investigators uncovered the gang's modus operandi during questioning. The suspects would enter shops pretending to buy items, then use newspapers to conceal phones before walking out with the stolen merchandise.
Nkechi Nnaji played a crucial role in the operation. The female suspect coordinated the forwarding of stolen phones to Lagos, where accomplices altered the devices' IMEI numbers before selling them.
Police are working to identify the original owners of the nine recovered phones. The suspects remain in custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
Onyeniyi urged shop owners and business operators to heighten security measures at their premises. He called on the public to report any suspicious activities or persons to the police immediately, reaffirming the command's commitment to combating crime in all its forms.
