The Delta State Police Command has apprehended two individuals suspected of being serial phone snatchers during a routine stop-and-search operation.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, officers intercepted a commercial tricycle and, during a search, found seven mobile phones in possession of the rider. Suspicion grew when the occupants of the tricycle failed to unlock the phones, leading to further investigation and arrests.
SP Edafe shared footage of the incident on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), warning commuters to remain vigilant.
“As you go about your activities this week, for those who board tricycles and commercial vehicles, hold your phones in your hands,” he advised.
“If any male passenger is coughing, just mind your business and hold your phone firmly. Listen and learn.”
He also defended the continued use of stop-and-search operations, describing them as effective measures against crime. “Stop and search is crime fighting.
When our men stop a tricycle or vehicle for a search, don’t frustrate them,” he stated.
One of the suspects, who identified himself as Oliver Osadebe, admitted to previously engaging in similar crimes before traveling to South Africa in 2021.
Recounting how the phones were found, he said, “Police stopped the keke man, searched me and didn’t see anything.
They then searched the keke man and found him with seven phones.”