Delta State Police arrest fraud syndicate accused of defrauding victims of N23m, stealing iPhones and valuables, plus another group caught with stolen ladders
Delta State Police have arrested a syndicate of suspected fraudsters and robbers who allegedly defrauded unsuspecting victims of over N23 million and stole valuable items across parts of Delta and Edo States.
Also read: Delta Police arrest woman for alleged baby theft in Koko
Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Saturday in Asaba.
According to him, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team acted on credible intelligence between August 11 and 16, 2025, leading to the capture of the suspects.
The syndicate reportedly lured victims under the guise of seeking directions before hypnotizing them and robbing them of valuables such as phones, motorcycles, jewelry, and draining their bank accounts.
The suspects were identified as Ibrukoko (32), Obruche Actor (31), Umukoro (28), Emmanuel Buruutu (22), Musa Abdulahi (27), Sokoh (30), Preye Julius (36), and Kadija Abass (30).
Items recovered from them included two Toyota Camry cars (REG No. LND-809-HE and KSF-61-JU) and 16 suspected stolen iPhones.
Preliminary investigations revealed the group had stolen about 42 iPhones, motorcycles, jewelry, and defrauded 12 women of cash and belongings.
In a separate case, the Ekpan Police Division arrested five suspects involved in a ladder theft scheme. According to Edafe, the suspects posed as customers, hired ladders, and never returned them.
On August 22, 2025, police arrested Esquire Stanley, who admitted selling ladders for N25,000.
Further investigations led to the arrest of four receivers: Chinedu Okorie, Orgi Abara, Philip Augustine, and Obone Jevweu. A total of 11 stolen ladders were recovered.
Also read: Delta Police arrest woman for alleged baby theft in Koko
The Delta State Police Command assured residents of its commitment to tackling fraud, robbery, and theft across the state, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
