Rita Enemuru, Warri
THE Delta State Police Command has arraigned thirty suspects before a magistrates’ court following a sweeping intelligence-led operation targeting criminal black spots in the Asaba metropolis.
The raids, which took place on Saturday 4 July 2026, saw a total of 202 individuals detained during an operation spearheaded by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Department of Operations.
The intelligence-driven exercise, based on credible information supplied by the State Intelligence Department (SID), focused on identified criminal hotspots, brothels and suspected drug dens across Asaba and its surrounding communities.
Following preliminary investigations, 172 suspects were screened and released without charge.
However, 30 individuals faced prosecution before the Asaba Magisterial District.
Among those arraigned was 63-year-old Prince Chizoba Ojokwu, proprietor of Prince Tarvan 50 Brothel. Ojokwu faces charges of allegedly permitting his premises to be used as a brothel and procuring women and girls for prostitution—offences punishable under Sections 224 and 223 respectively of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Vol. I, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.
The remaining 29 suspects were brought before the court on charges of conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and possession of illicit drugs.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every lawful arrest is followed by diligent investigation and prosecution where a prima facie case is established.
In a stern warning to operators of criminal hideouts and other unlawful establishments, the Commissioner urged them to desist from activities that threaten public peace and security.
He emphasised that the Command would continue to sustain intelligence-led operations to rid the State of criminal elements.
“Law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear,” CP Oyeniyi stated. “We remain resolute in our duty to protect lives and property across Delta State.”
The operation marks the latest in a series of targeted enforcement actions by the Delta State Police Command as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the region.
