By Admin 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Surajudeen Olufemi Abaniwonda, has summoned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ovwian/Aladja Division, CSP Bulus Musa, and his team for questioning after two notorious criminals escaped from police custody.
Public outcry continues to mount as communities call for a more effective police system to ensure the safety of residents across Delta State.
The summon followed a petition from the Aladja Community in Udu Local Government Area, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, calling for an investigation into the incident.
A senior police officer in the state command, who spoke anonymously to Daily Trust, revealed that the escape has sparked serious concerns within the police hierarchy.
“The Commissioner of Police sees this as a serious breach of trust. He suspects sabotage by some bad elements within the system and has ordered the immediate re-arrest of the suspects. Anyone found complicit will face disciplinary action,” the officer said.
The suspects, identified as Ovakporaye Jobome, also known as Rogers, and Debi, were arrested on December 31, 2024, by the Aladja Security Crack Team (ASCT) during a clampdown on criminal activities in Udu.
According to Hon. Andrew Ekwetafia Gbise, Secretary of Udu Local Government Council, the suspects were handed over to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Station alongside two other suspects, Kelvin Dukuye and Philip Faka. The suspects reportedly made confessional statements, which were recorded on video and audio.
However, on January 4, 2025, the police informed the Aladja community that Jobome and Debi had escaped from custody, sparking outrage from residents who accused the police of negligence.
Reacting to the development, Aladja Community Council Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Atuyota, expressed disappointment.
“The escape of these criminals is a serious security threat to our people. We arrested them to ensure the safety of our community, only for the police to let them escape. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Chief Atuyota demanded the immediate re-arrest of the suspects and called for disciplinary action against any officer found culpable.
“We want answers. The police must be held accountable for this negligence. If they can’t keep criminals in custody, how can we trust them to protect us?” he asked.
Residents have expressed concerns that the escape could lead to a resurgence of crime in the area.
A community leader, Mr. Ejiro Akpobome, said, “We are back to living in fear. The system needs reform. This incident shows that we need better accountability within the police force.”
The Delta State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to re-arrest the suspects and bring any erring officers to book.