Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill, and Amadi Felix Chibuike were arrested in Bayelsa and Imo States following what the police described as intelligence-led operations and a painstaking investigation.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi in a press briefing on Monday noted that the case is connected to the unlawful possession of a firearm recovered on May 1, 2026, in Effurun.
The command said the breakthrough began after the arrest of Emmanuel Chukwuemeka in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, alongside a friend whose phone was allegedly used in communicating the transaction.
During interrogation, Emmanuel reportedly confessed that he purchased the firearm from one Amadi Princewill for ₦290,000 and later sold it to an unidentified buyer known as Desmond, who is currently at large.
He allegedly stated that Desmond resold and transported the weapon to Effurun, where it was eventually linked to the deceased, Oghenemine Ogidi, who was asked to collect and deliver it to Sapele. Following his confession, operatives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15, 2026.
According to the police, Princewill also confessed during interrogation that he bought the weapon from Amadi Chibuike for ₦200,000.
This led to the arrest of Amadi Chibuike in Owerri on May 16, 2026. The police added that all the suspects are allegedly members of the Black Axe confraternity, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate, including the said Desmond.
The command said the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, one of the suspects, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, in his statement, claimed he was not fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the incident involving the deceased.
He said he only knew Desmond as someone who frequently visited their neighbourhood and denied having full knowledge of how the situation unfolded.
He also confirmed being a member of the Neo Black Movement, stating that he joined the group on January 7, 2026, and maintained that he had not engaged in criminal activities since joining.
“I earn a living through my personal business activities,” he was quoted as saying.
The police said investigations are still ongoing as efforts continue to track down other members of the syndicate at large.
CP Oyeniyi assured that the Command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks involved in illegal arms circulation across the state.
