Police arrests 625 robbery suspects in Bayelsa State

At least fewer 625 persons were arrested by the Bayelsa State Police Command in connection with suspected murder, rape, armed robbery, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms.

The police also said they had recovered 66 weapons of different makes as well as hundreds of ammunition in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mr. Asuquo Amba, made this known on Monday while parading some suspected criminals at the state command’s headquarters in Yenagoa.

Amba said the arrest of the 625 suspected criminals and recovery of arms and ammunition took place between January and December 18, this year.

Giving the breakdown of the arrest, the police commissioner noted that during the period, their operatives arrested 68 suspects for murder, 122 suspects for rape and assault, 87 persons for kidnapping, 241 suspects for armed robbery and 107 suspects for unlawful possession of firearms.

Amba explained, “Sixty-two murder cases have been reported during the period under review. Sixty-eight suspects have been arrested, 21 cases are under investigation and 27 of such cases have been charged to court.

“On rape and assault, 73 cases were reported. The police arrested 122 suspects, 37 cases are under investigation while 15 cases have been charged to court.

“Also, 177 cases of armed robbery were reported, about 241 suspects were arrested, 70 cases are under investigation, 56 cases have been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice and 27 cases have been charged to court.

“Furthermore, 66 arms have been recovered. One hundred and seven suspects have been arrested, 29 cases are under investigation, 30 cases have been forwarded for legal advice to the DPP while 13 suspects have been charged to court.”