The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the extrajudicial murder of Oghenemine Ogidi, 28, at a motor park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, on May 1, by a trigger-happy cop, for being in possession of a Beretta pistol.
The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, said that the arrests followed intelligence-led investigations and coordinated operations in Bayelsa and Imo states.
According to him, the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested in Bayelsa on May 4 alongside a friend and roommate whose phone he allegedly used to facilitate the purchase of the firearm.
During interrogation, Chukwuemeka reportedly told investigators that he bought the pistol from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 and later sold it to a suspect identified as Desmond, who is currently at large, for N380,000.
Police said Chukwuemeka further revealed that Desmond arranged for the weapon to be transported to Effurun and contacted Oghenemine Ogidi, now deceased, to collect it and forward it to Sapele.
Acting on the information, operatives tracked and arrested Princewill in Imo State on May 15, who allegedly confessed that he bought the pistol from Amadi Felix Chibuike for N200,000.
Felix, he said, was subsequently arrested in Owerri on May 16, adding that one Clifford Boleyelefa, was also arrested during the investigation.
The police commissioner said all four suspects were believed to be members of the Black Axe confraternity, adding that they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Efforts, he said, were ongoing to apprehend other suspects, including Desmond.