Police secure conviction of 16 for vandalising govt property in Delta

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The Delta State Police Command has secured the conviction of sixteen male suspects for offences bordering on conspiracy, theft of government property, malicious damage, and unlawful possession of prohibited drugs.

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Spokesman for the state command, SP Bright Edafe, noted in a signed statement, made available to journalists in Warri on Friday, that the development was “in demonstration of the Command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure and enforcing the law.”

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“On July 15, 2026, Magistrate Court 3, Asaba, convicted the 16 defendants and sentenced each to three years imprisonment at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre.

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“The convictions followed their prosecution for criminal conspiracy, the theft of iron rods belonging to the Delta State Government, wilful and malicious damage to government property, contrary to the Criminal Code Law of Delta State, as well as unlawful possession of twenty cups of Colorado (Kolos), an offence punishable under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act,” the PPRO said.

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He listed the convicted persons as 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).

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Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has commended “the diligent investigation and successful prosecution of the case.”

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The police boss remarked, “The 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.”

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He reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations to safeguard public property and maintain law and order across the state.

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