Delta Police clears air, to arraign 33 for violent disturbances, public nuisance
Omeiza Bilal
The Delta State Police Command wishes to place on record the true position regarding arrests made during the New Year’s Eve security operations in Asaba, following a series of misleading and malicious publications by Sahara Reporters.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Police Command, SP Edafe Bright, said that several suspects were arrested at different locations within Asaba for various offences bordering on violent disturbances, public nuisance, drug-related activities, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace during the New Year’s Eve operations.
The Delta Police spokesman explained that ”Upon conclusion of preliminary investigations, thirty-three (33) suspects were found to have prima facie cases against them and were duly charged to court and arraigned before Magistrate Court 1, Asaba. Following arraignment, 3 of the suspects were remanded in custody, while others were granted bail by the court, pending the continuation of prosecution in line with due process.
”Contrary to the false narrative being circulated, the individual repeatedly referenced by Sahara Reporters was not arrested as a church worshipper, nor was he rearrested for any alleged media interaction.
“The suspect in question was arrested alongside two (2) other persons in a Mercedes Benz GLK vehicle, parked in a close street opposite Pinnacle Hotel, Asaba, where they were allegedly purchasing illicit drugs from a suspected drug dealer. The trio were arrested together with the dealer, and incriminating exhibits were recovered at the scene.
”However, considering that one of the suspects is a member of a sister security agency, he was granted bail and released to his institution pending the commencement of arraignment, it being reasonably certain that his attendance in court could be secured through his agency.”
SP Edafe emphasised that granting of bail does not terminate investigation, nor does it imply innocence on the part of any suspect.“Investigation and prosecution remain ongoing, which necessitated the invitation of the suspect to enable the proper commencement of investigation and possible prosecution,” he said.
The Delta State Police Command therefore calls on well-meaning members of the public to discountenance the persistent sensationalism and misinformation being peddled by Sahara Reporters, which are calculated to mislead the public and undermine lawful police operations.
”The Command remains resolute in its commitment to professionalism, transparency, due process, and the rule of law, and will not be distracted from its constitutional mandate of maintaining public order and safety,” he added.
