The Delta State Police Command has arrested one 36-year-old man, Patrick Emete of Ughoton community, and his 45 years associates, Alex Uwagbafor, for allegedly stealing musical instruments at a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, located in Orerokpe town, Delta State.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident in Asaba on Sunday, said his officers caught the suspects after Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen amplifiers for sale on his Facebook page.

Edafe said: “The Orerokpe Divisional Police Headquarters of the Delta State Police Command arrested two suspects for their infamous strings of church break-ins in Delta State.”

He said the Police received information on November 17, 2023, about a break-in, where several musical instruments were carted away from the church.

He further said: “Sequel to the report, the DPO of Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul Obaware, swiftly mobilised and led his operatives to assess the scene of the crime.

“Afterward, an operation was planned and executed on the strength of the items that were carted away. Consequently, on 19/11/23, Patrick Emete posted one of the stolen amplifiers for sale on his Facebook page.

“Immediately detectives offered to buy the said item, lured and trailed the suspect to Effurun Roundabout, where he was apprehended at about 1304hrs of the same date.”

Edafe said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are notorious and unrepentant thieves, who specialise in burgling churches, shops, and homes.

“Items recovered from suspects are 20 big loudspeakers; three generator sets; 15 large mixers amplifiers; four keyboards; 12 power amplifiers; 10 industrial standing fans; one complete drum set; one guitar; one power microphone; two standing freeze; two plasma televisions; two home theaters; one washing machine; three stabilizers; three handsaws; one clipper; one microwave; one small oven; and one gas cylinder”, the PPRO revealed.