The Delta State Police Command has arraigned 33 suspects over violent disturbances, public nuisance and drug-related offences recorded during New Year’s Eve security operations in Asaba, urging the public to disregard what it described as misleading and sensational reports by an online publication.
In a statement issued on January 6, 2026, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright Anipr, the Command said it was compelled to clarify the true position following “misleading and malicious publications” surrounding the arrests.
“For clarity and the avoidance of doubt, several suspects were arrested at different locations within Asaba for offences bordering on violent disturbances, public nuisance, drug-related activities and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace during the New Year’s Eve operations,” the police stated.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations established prima facie cases against 33 suspects, who were subsequently charged to court and arraigned before Magistrate Court 1 in Asaba.
“Following arraignment, three of the suspects were remanded in custody, while others were granted bail by the court, pending the continuation of prosecution in line with due process,” Anipr said.
The police specifically dismissed claims that an individual repeatedly referenced in reports by the online publication was arrested as a church worshipper or rearrested for speaking to the media.
“Contrary to the false narrative being circulated, the suspect in question was arrested alongside two other persons in a Mercedes Benz GLK vehicle parked in a close opposite Pinnacle Hotel, Asaba, where they were allegedly purchasing illicit drugs from a suspected dealer,” the statement said.
The Command added that the suspects were arrested together with the dealer and that incriminating exhibits were recovered at the scene.
However, the police explained that one of the suspects, being a member of a sister security agency, was granted bail and released to his institution pending arraignment.
“This decision was based on the reasonable certainty that his attendance in court could be secured through his agency,” the statement noted, stressing that the grant of bail did not terminate investigation or imply innocence.
“Investigation and prosecution remain ongoing, which necessitated the invitation of the suspect to enable the proper commencement of investigation and possible prosecution,” Anipr added.
The Command called on members of the public to discountenance what it described as “persistent sensationalism and misinformation” by the online publication, insisting it would remain focused on professionalism, transparency, due process and the rule of law.
Meanwhile, a youth group, the Integrity Youth Alliance, has also faulted the online publication over what it described as false and malicious claims against Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Muyiwa Adejobi.
In a separate statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group condemned a report by the online publication alleging extortion and rearrest of suspects under DCP Adejobi’s watch, describing it as a deliberate distortion of facts.
“Based on the online publication’s own account, DCP Adejobi had handed over the suspects to the Commander of the Eagle Net Unit, CSP Inusa Gwaza, thereby ending his operational control and responsibility,” the group stated.
According to the Alliance, linking any subsequent actions to DCP Adejobi was “mischievous and intellectually dishonest.”
Reacting to allegations that suspects were extorted sums ranging from ₦150,000 to ₦200,000 before their release, the group challenged the online publication to provide verifiable proof.
“There is no evidence whatsoever that DCP Adejobi ordered, supervised or had knowledge of any alleged extortion,” Lamido said.
The youth group also accused the online publication of misrepresenting the incident, insisting that some individuals involved engaged in violent conduct, including attacking police officers, knocking down commuters and throwing fireworks at members of the public.
“It is therefore misleading to portray those involved as mere church worshippers attending crossover services,” the statement added.
The Integrity Youth Alliance further clarified that DCP Adejobi had no involvement in the rearrest of a Delta State Fire Service staff member, Mr Benjamin Eboka, or any other individual after the suspects were handed over.
The group warned the online publication against what it described as persistent, biased and reckless reporting, urging it to uphold factual, balanced and responsible journalism.
It concluded by calling on the public to disregard any claims of extortion or misconduct linked to DCP Adejobi, insisting that no such acts occurred under his watch.
