The Delta State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that police officers arrested a suspect driving an unregistered vehicle along the Ughelli–Patani Expressway near Setraco Company on June 27, seized the vehicle and later crashed it, resulting in the death of a woman.
The commissioner described the report as false and misleading.
According to him, investigations established that the accident involved a newly purchased, unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV driven by a civilian, Agofure Gift, 27, who rammed into a commercial tricycle.
“The crash resulted in the death of one woman, later identified as Catherine Umokoro, aged 51, while four others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“At no time was any police vehicle or police team involved in the accident, nor was the vehicle driven by a police officer,” Oyeniyi said.
He added that intelligence and digital forensic investigations led to the arrest of Egoh Best Akpobome, 35, and Omonigho Jitobor, 42, who allegedly originated and circulated the false report online.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Oyeniyi said the cases underscored the command’s commitment to combating not only conventional crimes but also emerging threats such as misinformation, disinformation and fake news.
He expressed confidence that the prosecution of the suspects would serve as a deterrent to others.
The commissioner also advised parents, particularly mothers, to remain vigilant against child traffickers and monitor their children closely to avoid falling victim to criminal activities.
He further urged members of the public to pay attention to the behaviour of relatives who might resort to staging kidnappings for financial gain.
