Banner Online News

By Our Reporter

ASABA — The Delta State Police Command has dismissed social media reports claiming a suspect arrested in connection with the recovery of an AK-47 rifle during a political rally in Uvwie Local Government Area has been secretly released, insisting the man remains under protective custody as investigations continue.

In a press statement issued Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the command explained the circumstances surrounding the incident, which had sparked a flurry of unverified claims online.

According to the statement, police had received intelligence on September 15 about a planned political rally and the risk of clashes between supporters of the APC and NDC. Attempts to reach the organizers were unsuccessful until September 17, when both parties gave written notice of the rally — barely ten hours before it was due to hold on September 18 at Angle Park in Warri. Police advised against using the venue, after which the groups proceeded separately.

Deployment of officers to the rally site began around 5 a.m. on the day of the event, on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, to prevent a breakdown of law and order. As tension rose during the rally, additional patrol teams were deployed under an operation code-named “Show of Force,” which the command said helped bring the situation under control.

Police said that at about 11:30 a.m. that day, patrol teams noticed a mob attacking a man near an old building in Orumarho community, Effurun. The man, later identified as Collins Egbara, had been severely beaten before officers intervened and rescued him. The command said it has not yet been able to determine whether he belongs to any political party, as he is yet to record a statement.

A search of the building where he was found led to the discovery of an AK-47 rifle. Police said Egbara is currently receiving hospital treatment and will be interviewed once his condition stabilizes.

The command specifically rejected claims that the firearm had been voluntarily handed over by members of the public, stating that the gun’s ownership and how it came to be at the scene remain under investigation. Should Egbara be found connected to the weapon, he will be charged to court, police said.

Commissioner of Police Samuel Etaifo Erale reassured residents that the investigation would not be compromised, contrary to online speculation, and urged journalists to verify information through official channels before publishing. He also called on political parties and rally organizers to notify police well ahead of planned events to allow for adequate security arrangements.

The command has asked members of the public with information relevant to the case to contact its Public Relations Office at 09155570008 or 09155570007.