The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Surajudeen Olufemi Abaniwonda, has summoned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ovwian/Aladja Division, CSP Bulus Musa, and his team following a petition from the Aladja Community in Udu Local Government Area.
The petition was addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, over the escape of two notorious criminals from police custody.
A senior officer from the State Command, speaking anonymously, disclosed this development on Sunday. The officer stated, “The CP has summoned the DPO and officers on duty for investigation. This incident appears to be a case of sabotage by some bad elements within the system. The CP is determined to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable, and he has ordered the immediate re-arrest of the escaped criminals.”
The petition from the Aladja Community called for an investigation and decisive action against the DPO and his team over the escape of the suspects, identified as Ovakporaye Jobome (aka Rogers) and Debi.
The suspects were apprehended by the Aladja Security Crack Team (ASCT) on December 31, 2024, following increased criminal activities in the area. Alongside two others, Kelvin Dukuye and Philip Faka, the suspects were handed over to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station, along with ammunition, through the efforts of Hon. Andrew Ekwetafia Gbise JP, Secretary of Udu Local Government Council. Confessional statements by the suspects were recorded in both video and audio formats.
On January 4, 2025, officers from the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station informed the Aladja Community that two of the suspects, Jobome and Debi, had escaped custody. This revelation sparked outrage from the community, which accused the police of negligence and possible foul play.
The Aladja Community Council expressed grave concern over the escape, emphasizing that the two suspects were among the most dangerous criminals in the region. They demanded their immediate re-arrest and called for accountability from the police officers involved.
The petition also highlighted the need for the Inspector General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to take swift action to restore public confidence in law enforcement and address security challenges in Aladja and its environs.
This incident has heightened concerns about the effectiveness of local law enforcement in tackling crime and ensuring public safety. The community has urged authorities to act promptly to prevent further deterioration of security in the area.
(Vanguard)