“16 Men Jailed Three Years Each” — Delta Police Secure Convictions Over Theft, Vandalism, Drug Possession

The Delta State Police Command has secured the conviction of 16 men for offences bordering on criminal conspiracy, theft of government property, malicious damage and unlawful possession of prohibited drugs.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Friday.

Edafe said Magistrates’ Court 3, Asaba, convicted the defendants on July 15, 2026, and sentenced each of them to three years’ imprisonment at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre.

According to the police, the convictions followed the defendants’ prosecution for conspiring to steal iron rods belonging to the Delta State Government and wilfully damaging government property.

The command said the offences relating to conspiracy, theft and malicious damage violated provisions of the Criminal Code Law of Delta State.

The defendants were also convicted of unlawfully possessing 20 cups of a prohibited substance commonly known as Colorado or “Kolos,” an offence the police said was punishable under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.

Those convicted are Yaro Abdul, 25; Mohammed Isah, 31; Hassan Jato, 23; Azeez Bello, 18; Duru Lawrence, 27; Tijani Hassan, 23; Muasu Alabo, 27; Lawal Zardi, 18; Gambo Abdul, 18; Ali Musa, 21; Musa Abdul, 18; Umuru Kasa, 19; Gaga Amos, 25; Sani Garuba, 18; Hanza Garuba, 24; and Abdul Ahi Jubrin, 18.

Edafe said the successful prosecution demonstrated the command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure and enforcing the law across the state.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the investigating officers and prosecutors for their diligence in securing the convictions.

“The conviction sends a clear message that vandalism of public assets, theft and drug-related offences will be met with the full weight of the law,” Oyeniyi said.

The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting public property and maintaining law and order throughout Delta State.