Mother Arrested for Drowning Infant in Delta River
The Delta State Police Command on Tuesday paraded over 30 suspects involved in crimes ranging from armed robbery and kidnapping to cultism and murder. Among them was 23-year-old Ms. Blessing Ibuku, who was arrested for killing her 10-month-old baby, Prevail Jonathan, by throwing her into a community river.
The state Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, while briefing journalists in Asaba, disclosed that Ibuku confessed to the crime, claiming she was driven to the act by mockery from friends who teased her about her child being fatherless. The baby’s lifeless body was recovered from the Aviara community river on December 4, 2024.
Olufemi described the incident as one of the most tragic cases the command has handled in recent months, adding that investigations are ongoing.
The arrests, along with the recovery of 150 firearms—including 32 AK-47 rifles—are part of the command’s intensified efforts to combat crime since Olufemi took office as the 22nd Commissioner of Police in February 2024.
“These arrests were made in the last month. While challenges remain, the collaboration with security agencies, stakeholders, and Delta State residents has helped us significantly restore peace,” Olufemi said.
Other Highlights of the Police Operations
Foiled Kidnapping in Asaba:
On November 27, 2024, the command responded to a distress call about a kidnapping along DLA Road in Asaba. Four suspects operating in a Toyota Camry abducted a man and a woman, stealing one of the victims’ vehicles.
The Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad tracked the suspects to the Asaba-Benin Expressway. Although the victims were released, the kidnappers abandoned their vehicle and fled. Inside the car, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, eight rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and 21 live cartridges.
Robbery Syndicate Busted:
On December 2, 2024, a combined operation by the SAKCCS, Rapid Response Squad, and Buffalo Squad led to the arrest of ten robbery suspects behind Anioma Market in Asaba. The suspects were linked to multiple robberies across Asaba, Okpanam, and Issele-Uku. Several firearms were also seized.
Murder-for-Hire Case Uncovered:
The CP revealed the arrest of Destiny Lawrence, who confessed to being hired by a native doctor, Jonah, from the Otolokpo community, to kidnap a young boy for a fee of ₦30,000. Lawrence lured the victim to an uncompleted building where Jonah allegedly killed the boy.
Achievements and Public Appeal
Providing an update on the command’s achievements, Olufemi said 678 suspects were arrested in recent months. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Delta State residents and called on the public to provide actionable intelligence to aid crime-fighting efforts.
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