Over 28 suspected robbers and three kidnappers have been arrested by the Bayelsa State Police Command.
The suspects were paraded by the state Commissioner of Police, Asuquo Amba, in Yenagoa yesterday.
A 23-year-old footballer with the Bayelsa United Feeders’ Club, Emmanuel Tabofa, was on the police wanted list for armed robbery.
Amba said the suspects were arrested between May and June.
According to the CP, “On June 3, one Mrs. Miekumo Jonah of Akenpai community in Yenagoa was kidnapped by unknown gunmen at her residence.
‘’Policemen swung into action, which led to the arrest of Asuka Nyrzedukpe, 25, and one David Ovuru, 18, of Okulagba Street, Akenpai on June 9. The suspects have confessed to their involvement in the kidnap.
“Also, Kelepre Kelepre, of Foropa community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, masterminded the kidnap of one Mrs. Ikiou Munemune of Assemblies of God Church Road, Agudama Epie, Yenagoa.
“The suspect was arrested on May 14 at his residence. He confessed to the crime and said his partners are one Seco, Prince, Wisdom Tuakumo, Gbadakumo Yellow and Nana Fineboy. Efforts have been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects.”
Amba further explained that on June 7, one Samuel David, 25, a native of Umudu-Amuzu, Aboh Mbaise LGA of Imo State, and one Iheme Vitalis, 50, a native of Umuaka village in Isul Njegba LGA of Imo State, all tricycle riders, were arrested by the police in connection with armed robbery cases.
The police boss also said on June 14, a vigilance group and policemen from Amassoma Division, arrested Precious Emobo, 25, with a single-barreled gun with six live cartridges. He said the suspect had been on police wanted list.
He added, “On May 13, there was a clash between two rival cult groups at Amassoma and the residents were robbed in the process. A suspect, who sustained bullet wounds, was rushed to Tantua Hospital, Amassoma for medical attention.
“On May 25, about 5.45pm, a team of policemen raided a criminal hideout at Okaki Junction and arrested Marshall Enegesi, Ali Amatari, Wisdom O, Funmi Shehu, female, all of Akenfa III, Yenagoa, and one Destiny Jerry of Igbogene, Yenagoa.”