The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the Beretta pistol recovered from upcoming musician Oghenemine Ogidi before he was shot dead by a police officer in Effurun, Delta State.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led investigation into the firearm, which was intercepted at a motor park in Uvwie Local Government Area on May 1.
Police Trace Source of Firearm
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed the development on Monday, saying operatives tracked the suspects through coordinated operations in Bayelsa and Imo states.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike.
According to the police commissioner, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka was arrested in Bayelsa on May 4 alongside a friend whose phone was allegedly used to arrange the firearm purchase.
How the Gun Changed Hands
Oyeniyi said Chukwuemeka confessed to purchasing the gun from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before selling it to a man identified as Desmond, who remains at large, for N380,000.
Police said Desmond allegedly sent the firearm through a waybill service to Effurun and contacted Ogidi to collect the package and forward it to Sapele.
The commissioner added that investigations led to the arrest of Princewill in Imo State on May 15.
During interrogation, Princewill allegedly revealed that he bought the weapon from Amadi Felix for N200,000. Felix was subsequently arrested in Owerri on May 16.
Background to Ogidi’s Death
The case drew national attention after Ogidi was killed on April 26 while attempting to collect a package at a motor park in Effurun.
Reports indicated that the package contained a hidden Beretta pistol, which Ogidi allegedly did not know about.
After the weapon was discovered, police officers reportedly restrained the 28-year-old musician.
A viral video from the scene showed Ogidi crying and insisting that he had been deceived into collecting the package.
Despite his pleas, ASP Nuhu Usman allegedly shot him at close range.
Investigation Continues
The Delta State Police Command said investigations are ongoing as operatives continue efforts to uncover other members of the syndicate and dismantle the network.
The command also assured the public that all individuals connected to the illegal firearm operation would be identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.