The Delta Police Command on Thursday reported the death of a suspected kidnapper, Joel Ochuko Ofoye, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a clash with police.
The incident occurred in Ewu community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, on August 12.
The suspect, who was previously apprehended on July 18, was being investigated in connection with a kidnapping case when the confrontation took place.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, confirmed the details during a press briefing in Asaba, noting that the suspect later passed away at the General Hospital, Ughelli.
He said, “The suspect led police operatives to the Ewu community on the trail of a gun runner, who supplied arms to the kidnapping gang.
“In Ewu, the police team came under attack from the suspect’s gang members in a bid to free the suspect.
“The police team returned fire for fire and overpowered the hoodlums as they fled with bullet injuries.
“However, the suspect Joel Ofoye was hit during the gun duel, and was taken to General Hospital Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment.”
He stated that the police seized a Beretta pistol with four live rounds, a pump-action shotgun with nine cartridges, and a locally-made revolver pump-action firearm.
