Police arrest 625 persons for murder, armed robbery, kidnapping

he police in Bayelsa State say they have arrested no fewer than 625 persons in the state in connection with suspected murder, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

The police also said they had recovered 66 weapons of different make as well as hundreds of ammunition in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asuquo Amba, made this known on Monday during a press conference and parade of suspected criminals at the state command’s headquarters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Amba said the arrest of the 625 suspected criminals and recovery of many arms and ammunition took place between January and December 18, this year.

Giving the breakdown of the arrest, the police commissioner noted that during the period, their operatives arrested 68 suspects for murder, 122 suspects for rape and indecent assault, 87 persons for kidnapping, 241 suspects for armed robbery and 107 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms.

Amba explained, “Sixty two murder cases have been reported during the period under review. Sixty eight suspects have been arrested, 21 cases are under investigation and 27 of such cases have been charged to court.

“On rape and indecent assault, 73 cases were reported. The police arrested 122 suspects, 37 cases are under investigation while 15 cases have been charged to court.

“Also, 177 cases of armed robbery were reported, about 241 suspects were arrested, 70 cases are under investigation, 56 cases have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice and 27 cases have been charged to court.

“Furthermore, 66 arms have been recovered. One hundred and seven suspects have been arrested, 29 cases are under investigation, 30 cases have been forwarded for legal advice at the DPP while 13 suspects have been charged to court.”

On the arms and ammunition recovered, the CP said the operatives recovered 40 locally-made pistol/guns; five locally-made double-barrelled gun; 11 locally-made Pump Action guns; three revolver pistols; one K2 rifle and four AK-47 rifles.

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