By Austin Ogwuda
TWO suspects have been arrested in Delta State, Nigeria for breaking into Church premises to steal especially musical instruments.
The Town Hall gathered that on the 17th of last month, a burglary incident took place at The Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG at Orerokpe where several church musical instruments were carted away.
As a result of the incident, the Delta State Police command’s spokesman, Mr. Bright Edafe a Deputy Superintendent of Police DSP said that “the Divisional Police Officer, DPO Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware swiftly mobilized and led his operatives to assess the scene of the crime.
Afterward, an operation was planned and executed on the strength of the items that were carted away. “Consequently, on 19/11/23, Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen amplifiers for sale on his Facebook page. Immediately detectives offered to buy the said item, lured and trailed the suspect to Effurun Roundabout, where he was apprehended at about 1304hrs of the same date.
“Following the confession of the 36-year-old apprehended suspect, Patrick Emete of Ughoton Community”, Edafe went on, “one of his associates, Alex Uwagbafor, aged 45 years of New Era Clinic Deco Road, Warri was also arrested.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that these suspects are notorious and unrepentant thieves who specialize in burgling churches, shops, and homes.
“Items recovered from suspects are twenty big loudspeakers; three generator sets; fifteen large mixers amplifiers; four keyboards; twelve power amplifiers; ten industrial standing fans; one complete drum set; one guitar; one power mic; two standing freeze; two plasma televisions; two home theaters; one washing machine; three stabilizers; three handsaws; one clipper; one microwave; one small oven; and one gas cylinder.
“In sequence to the ongoing investigation, a clergyman (name withheld) also alleged that his church was burgled. On 30/11/23 at about 1632hrs, upon questioning, the suspects admitted and further led the operatives to Eburu Street Warri, where more stolen items were recovered. These items include eleven big loudspeakers; five professional power amplifiers, six professional mixers; one Serato DJ deck; one Pioneer DJ deck; one plasma TV; four big generators; one generator without a tank; one power microphone set; one projector; two sets of English mini drums; and one big stabilizer.
“Meanwhile, frantic efforts are ongoing to recover more stolen items. The suspects are in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly, upon the conclusion of the investigation”, the Police spokesman added.
