Police bust theft syndicate, recover nine stolen Android phones in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has apprehended four individuals suspected of belonging to a phone theft syndicate responsible for stealing new mobile phones from retail shops in Asaba and surrounding areas. The operation also led to the recovery of nine brand-new Android phones.

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Following a series of reported stealing of mobile phones from shops in Asaba and its environs, operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence and technical intelligence analysis, on 25 July 2026, arrested four suspects at their hideout along St. Brigid’s Road, Asaba.

According to SP Bright Edafe, spokesperson for the command, the arrests were made on July 25, 2026, at a hideout along St. Brigid’s Road in Asaba, following intelligence-led operations targeting a series of reported phone thefts. The suspects have been identified as Johna Omarocha, Kelvin Onogho, Nkechi Nnaji, and Ufuoma Joshua.

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A search of the hideout led to the recovery of nine brand new Android phones still in their cartons. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of a syndicate specialising in stealing brand new phones from retail shops within Asaba and its environs.

A search of the suspects' hideout yielded nine Android phones still in their original packaging. Preliminary investigations suggest the syndicate specializes in stealing new phones from retail outlets across Asaba and neighboring communities. The suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the thefts.

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The suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and identify the owners of the recovered phones.

Police efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who are still at large and to identify the rightful owners of the recovered devices. Edafe detailed that the syndicate employed a coordinated method, posing as customers to conceal phones with newspapers before leaving the shops unnoticed. This modus operandi aims to evade detection by shop owners and investigators.

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The syndicate engages the female suspect amo