Police arrest 10 suspected internet fraudsters in Bayelsa

• The police said their arrest followed a covert operation by the operatives upon the receipt of intelligence information. 
• Ruth Kossiwa, the only female suspect, claimed she was visiting her boyfriend when arrested on Monday morning.

The Bayelsa State Police Command, Zone 16, has taken 10 individuals into custody for various alleged offenses.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer Ewhoborwo Gunn announced that the suspects were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The suspects, aged between 19 and 28, are identified as Goodwill, Princewill Oguama, Anyamwu Oluebube, Tochukwu Ajaegbu, Daniel Samuel, Akanimoh Joshua, Chuckwumye Ubeh, Peter James, Gentle Nelson, and Ruth Kossiwa.

Gunn attributed the arrests to a covert operation based on intelligence, which led to the confiscation of illegal substances and mystical objects.

He explained that the operation was carried out after receiving intelligence, resulting in the recovery of illegal items and the suspects’ subsequent confession to fraudulent activities.

He said, “Their arrest followed a covert operation by the operatives upon the receipt of intelligence information, during which hard drugs and charms were recovered.

“The suspects, upon interrogation, confessed to being involved in a series of fraudulent activities, as the evidence clearly shows. They will be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are completed.”

Gunn said the AIG in charge of Zone 16, Paul Alifa Omata, has reiterated the dedication of his officers to the protection of lives and property in Bayelsa and Rivers states.

According to him, the police are fulfilling their constitutional mandate, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

While speaking to the press, the only female suspect, Ruth Kossiwa, said she was visiting her boyfriend of one month when she was arrested alongside the others on Monday morning.

In a separate incident, Zone 16 officers recovered a Beretta pistol and ammunition at Okaki Junction in Yenagoa, a location previously targeted by armed robbers.