One of the destitute arrested by the vigilante.
The Delta State Police Command says the five persons caught by vigilantes in Ughelli are not ritualists but destitute contrary to reports by some online news media.
Online reports had claimed that five suspected human parts dealers including four women were arrested by Otokutu Vigilantes Group under the Otokutu bridge in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the state on Thursday, May 27. The suspects were handed over to Otujeremi Police Station for further actions.
However, the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe in a rejoinder said the story is entirely false and should be totally disregarded.
“The Delta state command has been drawn to an online publication which says “ HUMAN PARTS SELLER CAUGHT IN OTOKUTU” and series of online publications saying “Vigilante arrest ritualist in Otokutu and handed over to otu-jeremi police station”. In light of this, the command wishes to state as follows,” Edafe stated.
“That on the 27/5/21, Otokutu Vigilante brought four male and one female suspects living under Otokutu bridge on suspicion that they are criminal elements.
But on close observation and investigation, it was observed that their words are obviously incoherent and they appeared very tattered. The five suspects were taken back to the scene, and the place was thoroughly searched and nothing incriminating was found.
“The vigilante who arrested and brought them never made any statement accusing them of being ritualist, neither is there any evidence to prove that they are ritualist.
Findings only revealed for now that they are destitute who only took refuge under the bridge.