The Delta State Police Command has apprehended four individuals believed to be members of a gun-running syndicate connected to the illegal possession of a Beretta pistol and the death of Oghenemine Ogidi in Effurun. Ogidi was reportedly fatally shot by police personnel at a park in Effurun, located in Uvwie Local Council of Delta State.
Arrests Follow Intelligence-Led Operations
Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi disclosed the arrests during a press briefing at the State Police Headquarters in Asaba. He stated that the suspects were captured following intelligence-driven operations conducted by operatives across Bayelsa and Imo States. The suspects have been identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill, and Amadi Felix Chibuike.
According to Oyeniyi, the breakthrough came after extensive investigations into the source and movement of the Beretta pistol. On May 4, 2026, operatives arrested Emmanuel Chukwuemeka in Bayelsa State, along with his friend and roommate, whose mobile phone was allegedly used as a communication channel during the firearm purchase.
Confessions Reveal Network
During interrogation, Chukwuemeka allegedly confessed to purchasing the pistol from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before reselling it to a suspect identified only as Desmond, who remains at large, for N380,000. Oyeniyi explained that investigations further revealed Desmond arranged for the firearm to be transported to Effurun and subsequently contacted the late Oghenemine Ogidi to receive it and facilitate its delivery to Sapele.
Acting on information from Chukwuemeka, detectives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15, 2026. Further interrogation led investigators to Amadi Felix Chibuike, who was arrested in Owerri, Imo State, on May 16, 2026. Princewill confessed to purchasing the firearm from Amadi Felix for N200,000, exposing another layer of the syndicate.
Suspects Linked to Black Axe Confraternity
Oyeniyi stated that preliminary investigations identified all suspects as members of the Black Axe confraternity. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and additional suspects connected to the case. The police commissioner assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while security operatives continue efforts to locate and arrest Desmond and other fleeing accomplices.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals connected to the illegal arms supply chain are brought to justice.
Suspect Speaks
Speaking with journalists, Chukwuemeka, an Agricultural Sciences graduate of Niger Delta University, admitted purchasing the firearm from Amadi Princewill for N290,000. The 26-year-old Princewill claimed he later sold the weapon to Desmond, who allegedly said he required it for security purposes.
Lagos Police Enhance Security Measures
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has ordered enhanced security measures following reports of a threatening notice allegedly pasted at a school claiming that bandits intended to attack and abduct schoolchildren. The commissioner directed an immediate assessment of the situation and ordered the deployment of security measures across the affected area and other strategic locations within the state.
Police personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, have been deployed to ensure the safety of schools, critical infrastructure, and communities. Fatai said the command would not tolerate attempts by miscreants, bandits, kidnappers, or other criminal elements to threaten the peace and safety of residents. He warned that any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of causing fear, panic, or insecurity would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The command also reassured parents, guardians, school authorities, and residents that there is presently no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat of attack within Lagos State. While every security concern is treated seriously, members of the public are advised to remain calm and avoid panic. The command emphasized that Lagos State remains secure and that every lawful measure is being taken to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating or operating within the state.
