Police Smash Alleged Gun-Running Network Linked to Mene Ogidi Case, Arrest Four Suspects
Delta Police uncover alleged firearms trafficking syndicate as four suspects are arrested across multiple states and dismissed officer faces prosecution over controversial shooting.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate allegedly connected to the recovery of a Beretta pistol in Effurun and the controversial police shooting of Mene Ogidi. Authorities say investigations have exposed a wider network of arms trafficking spanning Delta, Bayelsa and Imo states.
The Delta State Police Command says it has dismantled a suspected gun-running network linked to the recovery of an illegal firearm in Effurun and the controversial death of Mene Ogidi.
The development follows weeks of intelligence-led operations that led to the arrest of four suspects across Bayelsa and Imo states.
Speaking during a press briefing, Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed that investigations uncovered a chain of individuals allegedly involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution of illegal firearms.
Four Suspects Arrested
According to police, the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4.
Investigators alleged that he used his roommate’s phone to purchase a Beretta pistol before selling it to another suspect identified as Desmond, who remains on the run.
Police said the firearm was allegedly purchased for ₦290,000 and later resold for ₦380,000.
Authorities further claimed that Desmond arranged for the weapon to be transported to Effurun, where it was allegedly intended for collection by the late Mene Ogidi before being moved to Sapele.
Syndicate Allegedly Tracked to Imo State
Further investigations reportedly led detectives to Imo State, where another suspect, Amadi Princewill, was arrested on May 15.
During interrogation, police alleged that Princewill revealed he obtained the firearm from Amadi Felix Chibuike.
Acting on the information, operatives tracked and arrested Chibuike in Owerri on May 16.
Police said all four suspects are currently assisting investigators.
Officers Accused in Shooting Return to Delta
The Commissioner of Police also confirmed that former Assistant Superintendent of Police, Nuhu Usman, who was dismissed after a viral video showed him shooting Mene Ogidi, has been returned to Delta State alongside other alleged accomplices.
According to the police, the case file has already been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General for prosecution.
The incident generated widespread public outrage and intensified calls for accountability within the police force.
Police Allege Cult Connection
Investigators further alleged that the arrested suspects are members of the Black Axe confraternity and may have been involved in illegal firearms trafficking activities.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate, including the fugitive suspect identified as Desmond.
Authorities assured residents that all suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
