By Jon Egie
The police in Delta State have unmasked the identity of the leader of the gang of kidnappers who also engage in armed robbery around Warri and Ughelli environs.
A release issued by the Delta State Police Command’s PPRO, DSP Bright Edafe identified the kidnap kingpin as David Oghotomo Mathew a.k.a “cucumber”.
The release said the identity was busted when a member of the gang, Diarhe Oghenemarho ‘m’ aged 25yrs of Okpara inland waterway community, Ethiope East LGA was arrested and during interrogation, made the confession.
“Yesterday, Thursday, May 11, 2023 at about 1102hrs while Operatives of Eagle-Net were on patrol along Oreorokpe-Sapele Road, they intercepted a commercial mini bus for a routine search.
“During the search, they recovered a locally made single barrel gun with five (05) live cartridges concealed in the bag found in possession of one Diarhe Oghenemarho ‘m’ aged 25yrs of Okpara inland waterway community, Ethiope East LGA.
“The suspect was arrested and taken to the police station.
“During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed that he belongs to the notorious Eiye confraternity cult group and that his syndicate has been terrorizing Warri and Ughelli axis.
“He also confessed to be a member of an armed robbery/kidnapping gang, and his gang leader is one David Oghotomo Mathew a.k.a “cucumber”. The suspect and exhibits are in custody while investigation is ongoing.” The release said.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at about 2240hrs while ‘B’ Division Ughelli patrol team was on anti-crime patrol along Agbarha-Ughelli Road, they were overtaken in a suspicious manner by a Qlink motorcycle with Reg. no. SKL 554 VD with three (3) male occupants.
“They were given a hot chase, during which the three men hurriedly abandoned the motorcycle and fled into the bush, leaving behind their motorcycle and a bag.
“When the bag was searched, one (1) pump action gun loaded with two (2) live cartridges, forty-nine (49) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered along with the motorcycle.
“Investigation is ongoing, and efforts are in place to apprehend fleeing suspects.” The release added.