The Delta State Police Command has simultaneously cracked two shocking criminal schemes: a staged infant kidnapping that masked a child trafficking deal and a dangerous, decades-long illegal alcohol production factory. These twin discoveries have sent shockwaves through the state, highlighting severe threats to public safety and welfare.
Fabricated Kidnapping Unveils Child Trafficking Ring
The police operation began on December 19, 2025, when a woman, Rita Ughale, reported to the Ekpan Police Division. She claimed that her two-month-old baby had been snatched by armed robbers while she was traveling in a tricycle in Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area.
The Divisional Police Officer, CSP Labe Joseph, swiftly mobilized a search-and-rescue team. However, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, revealed that the story quickly fell apart. Investigators noticed glaring inconsistencies in Ughale's account during questioning.
Under intense interrogation, Ughale allegedly confessed to fabricating the entire kidnapping story. She reportedly admitted to selling her own infant for ₦1.5 million to a couple identified as Osas Omijie, 39, and Judith Omijie, 30.
Police immediately arrested the couple and successfully rescued the baby, who was found unharmed and placed in protective custody. All suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover potential links to a wider child trafficking network.
Decades-Old Illegal Gin Factory Uncovered in Ughelli
In a separate but equally alarming operation, police on December 14, 2025, exposed a massive illegal alcohol production enterprise in Ughelli. Acting on intelligence, the Eagle Net Special Squad and Ughelli Surveillance Team executed a search warrant at the residence of a 67-year-old woman, Lydia Osanebi, in Otor-Edor, Ughelli.
The raid uncovered a sophisticated repackaging operation designed to deceive consumers. Key items recovered include:
- Large quantities of hazardous chemicals suspected to be methanol, formalin, and cochineal (carminic acid).
- Over 60 litres of suspected counterfeit and adulterated dry gin.
- Newly printed seals, labels, and packaging materials for various popular gin brands.
- Empty original bottles, super glue, stickers, and shot glasses.
During interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to producing and repackaging the adulterated dry gin for more than 20 years, using recycled original bottles to give her products a genuine appearance.
Public Health Crisis and Ongoing Investigations
The discovery of the illicit gin factory poses a direct and severe threat to public health. Methanol, one of the chemicals seized, is highly toxic and can cause permanent blindness, organ failure, coma, and even death.
These twin incidents have sparked outrage and deep concern among residents, rights groups, and public health advocates. There are growing calls for stricter penalties and enhanced regulatory oversight to combat such brazen criminal exploitation of vulnerable infants and unsuspecting consumers.
The Delta State Police Command has assured the public that investigations into both cases are progressing diligently. Authorities have pledged to ensure all suspects face the full wrath of the law to serve as a strong deterrent to others engaged in similar crimes.
