By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Aladja community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State is outraged and demanding justice after two notorious criminals, Ovakporaye Jobome (aka Rogers) and Debi, escaped from police custody.
The suspects were apprehended by the Aladja Security Crack Team (ASCT) on December 31, 2024, following increased criminal activities in the area.
According to reports, the suspects were handed over to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station, along with ammunition, through the efforts of Hon. Andrew Ekwetafia Gbise JP, Secretary of Udu Local Government Council. Confessional statements by the suspects were recorded in both video and audio formats.
However, on January 4, 2025, officers from the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station informed the Aladja Community that the two suspects had escaped custody.
This revelation sparked outrage from the community, which accused the police of negligence and possible foul play.
The Aladja Community Council expressed grave concern over the escape, emphasizing that the two suspects were among the most dangerous criminals in the region.
They demanded their immediate re-arrest and called for accountability from the police officers involved.
“We are shocked and disappointed by the escape of these notorious criminals,” said a community leader. “We had thought that the police would take necessary steps to ensure that they were brought to justice, but it seems that the police have failed us again.”
The community has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Surajudeen Olufemi Abaniwonda, to take swift action to restore public confidence in law enforcement and address security challenges in Aladja and its environs.
In response to the petition, the Delta State Commissioner of Police has summoned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ovwian/Aladja Division, CSP Bulus Musa, and his team for investigation.
A senior officer from the State Command, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the CP is determined to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and has ordered the immediate re-arrest of the escaped criminals.
The incident has heightened concerns about the effectiveness of local law enforcement in tackling crime and ensuring public safety.
The community has urged authorities to act promptly to prevent further deterioration of security in the area.
