A Magistrate Court sitting in Asaba, Delta, has convicted and sentenced 16 persons to three years’ imprisonment each for vandalising government property and unlawful possession of illicit drugs.
The convicts were found guilty of stealing iron rods belonging to the Delta State Government and wilfully damaging government property, offences punishable under the Criminal Code Law of Delta.
They were also convicted for unlawful possession of 20 cups of Colorado, popularly known as “Kolos”, contrary to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act.
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The Delta State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
According to the statement, those convicted 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.
The court ordered that the convicts serve their jail terms at the Ogwashi-Uku Correctional Centre.
The police said the successful prosecution underscores the command’s commitment to protecting critical public infrastructure and combating crime across the state.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the investigators and prosecution team for securing the convictions.
He said the judgment sends a strong message that vandalism of public infrastructure, theft, and drug-related offences would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Oyeniyi also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting public assets and maintaining law and order throughout Delta.