Delta Police Arrest Four Suspected Phone Theft Syndicate Members, Recover Nine New Android Phones

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a phone theft syndicate allegedly responsible for stealing brand-new mobile phones from retail shops in Asaba and neighbouring communities, recovering nine Android phones believed to have been stolen.

The suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led operations launched in response to a series of reported phone thefts from shops across the Delta State capital.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the suspects were arrested on July 25, 2026, at their hideout along St. Brigid's Road, Asaba.

According to the police, the suspects were identified as Johna Omarocha,  Kelvin Onogho, Nkechi Nnaji, and Ufuoma Joshua.

Edafe said a search of their hideout led to the recovery of nine brand-new Android phones still in their original cartons.

He explained that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects were members of a criminal syndicate specialising in stealing new mobile phones from retail outlets in Asaba and its environs.

“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," Edafe stated.

He added that the suspects had allegedly confessed to the offences, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and identify the rightful owners of the recovered phones.

Investigations further revealed that the group allegedly employed a carefully coordinated method to avoid detection during their operations.

According to Edafe, members of the syndicate posed as genuine customers in shops and supermarkets, using newspapers to conceal mobile phones before walking out unnoticed with the stolen devices.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects, in the guise of buying items from shops and supermarkets, use newspapers to cover phones in the shop and cart away with the phones when leaving the shops," he said.

The police spokesman further disclosed that the syndicate allegedly relied on its female member to transport the stolen phones to Lagos, where their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers were altered before the devices were resold.

“The syndicate engages the female suspect among them, who then waybills the phones to Lagos, where the IMEI numbers of the phones are altered and then sell the phones. The four suspects are in custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded," Edafe added.

Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the command's commitment to tackling robbery, theft and other property-related crimes across Delta State.

He also urged shop owners, business operators and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the police, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.