The judgment, delivered by Magistrate Court 3 in Asaba on July 15, 2026, followed the successful prosecution of the defendants by the Delta State Police Command.
According to the police, the convicts were found guilty of criminal conspiracy, stealing iron rods belonging to the Delta State Government, and wilfully damaging government property, contrary to the Criminal Code Law of Delta State. They were also convicted for the unlawful possession of 20 cups of Colorado (popularly known as “Kolos”), an offence punishable under the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act.
The court subsequently sentenced each of the 16 convicts to three years’ imprisonment at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre.
The convicted persons 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).
Reacting to the convictions, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved in the investigation and prosecution, describing the outcome as a significant step in the Command’s efforts to protect critical public infrastructure and uphold the rule of law.
He said the convictions serve as a strong warning to individuals involved in vandalism, theft of public assets, and drug-related crimes that such offences would be met with the full weight of the law.
The Police Commissioner further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at safeguarding public property, combating criminal activities, and maintaining peace and security across Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command said it remains resolute in its determination to protect government assets and ensure that offenders are brought to justice through diligent investigation and effective prosecution.
