The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Commander Liberty, the head of the Special Operational Squad (SOS) Anti-Crime Unit in Sapele, along with members of his team, following multiple allegations of kidnapping, extortion, and professional misconduct.
The arrests follow complaints lodged by several individuals who accused operatives of the SOS unit of acting outside established police procedures. The allegations, which are now under formal investigation, have generated widespread public attention across traditional and social media platforms.
According to accounts provided by complainants, one of the incidents involves a man identified as Mr. Jonathan, also known as “Don Dada,” who alleged that he was taken into custody along the Warri–Sapele Road under circumstances he believes did not constitute a lawful arrest. He further alleged that personal property, including a gold chain valued at several million naira, was taken from him while in custody. These claims remain allegations and are currently being examined by investigators.
In a separate complaint, another resident of Sapele Local Government Area, identified as Mr. Emmanuel, also accused operatives of the same unit of unlawful detention and extortion, alleging that money was demanded in exchange for his release.
Police sources indicate that following the emergence of these allegations, Commander Liberty became unavailable for questioning for a brief period. A manhunt was subsequently launched by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad under the supervision of the Sapele Divisional Police Officer (DPO), leading to his arrest, along with other members of the SOS team.
All suspects have since been transferred to Ughelli, the headquarters of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, where a comprehensive investigation is ongoing.
As part of the inquiry, investigators are examining financial records linked to a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator alleged to have had dealings with the SOS unit. Preliminary findings reportedly indicate transactions totaling over ₦300 million. Authorities stress that these transactions are under forensic review to determine their source, purpose, and any possible connection to unlawful activities. The POS operator is also being questioned as part of the investigation.
The Special Operational Squad in Sapele has previously been acknowledged for its role in crime control within the area. However, concerns had occasionally been raised by members of the public regarding alleged deviations from standard policing procedures, including arrests without warrants and detentions outside officially designated facilities. These concerns are now part of the broader review being conducted by the police authorities.
The Delta State Police Command has reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and that all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the law. Possible charges, if supported by evidence, may include offenses related to abuse of office, extortion, unlawful detention, and other violations of criminal law.
The intervention of the Sapele Divisional Police Office has been commended by community members, who view the swift response as a positive step toward strengthening public trust and ensuring that policing standards are upheld.
As investigations continue at the Ughelli Anti-Kidnapping Headquarters, stakeholders across Delta State and beyond are closely monitoring developments, hopeful that the outcome will reinforce justice, accountability, and integrity within law enforcement.
