Police Bust Asaba Phone Theft Syndicate, Recover Nine Devices

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected members of a phone-theft syndicate accused of stealing brand-new Android phones from shops in Asaba and recovered nine stolen devices during the operation.

The suspects, identified as Johna Omarocha, Kelvin Onogho, Nkechi Nnaji and Ufuoma Joshua, were arrested on July 25, 2026, at their hideout along St. Brigid’s Road in Asaba after police acted on intelligence and technical surveillance.

The arrests followed a string of complaints from shop owners over the theft of mobile phones from retail outlets in Asaba and nearby communities.

A search of the suspects’ hideout led to the recovery of nine brand-new Android phones still sealed in their cartons, police said.

Preliminary investigations showed the suspects allegedly posed as genuine customers in shops and supermarkets before stealing the phones.

Police said members of the syndicate reportedly concealed the phones with newspapers while pretending to shop before quietly walking out with the stolen items.

Investigators also alleged that the female suspect in the group arranged for the stolen phones to be sent to Lagos through waybill services, where their IMEI numbers were allegedly altered before the devices were resold.

The command said the suspects had confessed to the crime, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and identify the owners of the recovered phones.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s determination to tackle crime across the state.

He urged shop owners and business operators to be more vigilant, saying, “We remain committed to tackling all forms of crime. Members of the public, particularly shop owners and business operators, should remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the police.”

The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged after investigations are concluded.