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The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has ordered the immediate re-arrest of two suspects, Ovakporaye Jobome (aka Rogers) and Debi, who reportedly escaped from police custody.
The police commissioner has also summoned the Divisional Police Officer of the Ovwian/Aladja Division, CSP Bulus Musa, along with his team, to explain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A senior officer from the Delta State Police Command, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed on Sunday that the CP had acted promptly.
The two suspects, along with two others, Kelvin Dukuye and Philip Faka, were apprehended on December 31, 2024, by the Aladja Security Crack Team due to heightened criminal activity in the area. They were handed over to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station, along with recovered ammunition, through the efforts of Hon. Andrew Ekwetafia Gbise JP, Secretary of Udu Local Government Council.
Confessional statements by the suspects were reportedly recorded in both video and audio formats.
However, on January 4, 2025, officers at the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station informed the Aladja Community that Jobome and Debi had escaped from custody. This revelation triggered outrage, with the community accusing the police of negligence and potential foul play.
The Aladja Community Council expressed deep concern over the escape, emphasising that the two fugitives were among the most dangerous criminals in the area. They demanded the immediate re-arrest of the suspects and accountability from the police officers involved.
In its petition, the community called for urgent intervention by the Inspector General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to restore public confidence in law enforcement. The council also stressed the importance of addressing security challenges in Aladja and surrounding areas.
The community warned that the incident had heightened concerns about the effectiveness of local law enforcement in combating crime and ensuring public safety. It urged the authorities to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of security in the region.