Delta Police Arraign 30 Suspects After Raid on Black Spots, Brothels, Drug Dens in Asaba

The Delta State Police Command has arraigned 30 suspects arrested during an intelligence-led operation targeting suspected criminal hideouts, brothels and illicit drug dens within Asaba metropolis and neighbouring communities.

The suspects were among 202 persons arrested during the security operation carried out on Saturday, July 4, 2026 as part of efforts to prevent crime and disrupt activities of criminal elements in the state capital.

The operation was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations and was based on intelligence gathered by the State Intelligence Department (SID), according to the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bright Edafe.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Edafe said the raid focused on identified black spots, brothels and locations suspected to be used for illicit drug activities across Asaba and surrounding areas.

He said following preliminary investigations and screening of the arrested persons, 172 suspects were released unconditionally after no evidence was found linking them to criminal activities.

Among those arraigned was a 63-year-old man, Prince Chizoba Ojokwu, the proprietor of Prince Tarvan 50 Brothel.

The police said Ojokwu was arraigned before the Asaba Magisterial District for allegedly allowing his premises to be used as a brothel and procuring women and girls for prostitution.

According to the command, the offences contravene Sections 224 and 223 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Volume I, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.

The remaining 29 suspects were arraigned for alleged conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and possession of illicit drugs.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, said the command would continue to ensure that arrests made during lawful operations are followed by proper investigations and prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.

Oyeniyi warned operators of criminal hideouts and unlawful establishments to desist from activities capable of threatening public safety and security.

He added that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving security across the state.

The police urged residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and preventing criminal activities within their communities.