The Delta State Command has intensified its crackdown on suspects linked to the disturbing Ozoro sexual assault incident, arresting 11 additional persons and bringing the total number of suspects in custody to 15.
In a statement released yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, the Command disclosed that the latest arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The police said operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) carried out a detailed analysis of video evidence and actionable intelligence, leading to the arrest of suspects, including Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
Authorities described the incident, which occurred in Oramudu Quarters, Ozoro, as deeply troubling, stressing that preliminary findings indicate the acts were carried out by criminal elements who exploited the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
The Command was quick to distance the crime from any form of cultural practice, stating unequivocally that such acts are in no way representative of the traditions or values of the community.
Condemning the incident, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to ensure that all perpetrators are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The police further urged members of the public, particularly victims and witnesses, to come forward with credible information, assuring that all disclosures would be treated with strict confidentiality.
