Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A magistrate court in Asaba has sentenced sixteen men to three years’ imprisonment each for conspiring to steal government property and for unlawful possession of prohibited drugs, in a landmark ruling that police say underscores their determination to protect critical public infrastructure.
Magistrate Court 3 handed down the convictions on 15 July 2026, sending the defendants to the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre following their prosecution on multiple charges including criminal conspiracy, theft of iron rods belonging to the Delta State Government, wilful and malicious damage to government property, and possession of twenty cups of the illicit substance known as Colorado (Kolos).
The convicted individuals, whose ages range from 18 to 31, are: Yaro Abdul (25), Mohammed Isah (31), Hassan Jato (23), Azeez Bello (18), Duru Lawrence (27), Tijani Hassan (23), Muasu Alabo (27), Lawal Zardi (18), Gambo Abdul (18), Ali Musa (21), Musa Abdul (18), Umuru Kasa (19), Gaga Amos (25), Sani Garuba (18), Hanza Garuba (24), and Abdul Ahi Jubrin (18).
The court found that the offences contravened both the Criminal Code Law of Delta State and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, which prohibits the unlawful possession of controlled substances.
‘Clear Message’ to Criminals
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the diligent investigation and successful prosecution of the case, stating that the outcome demonstrated the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding public assets.
“This conviction sends a clear message that vandalism of public assets, theft, and drug-related offences will be met with the full weight of the law,” CP Oyeniyi said.
He reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations designed to protect government property and maintain law and order across the state.
The prosecution forms part of a broader crackdown on criminal elements targeting public infrastructure, which has become a growing concern for authorities in the region.
SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, confirmed the convictions in an official statement released on 17 July 2026.
