The Delta State Police Command has arraigned a 63-year-old brothel proprietor, Prince Chizoba Ojokwu, alongside 29 other suspects, following a sweeping intelligence-led raid on alleged criminal hideouts in Asaba and surrounding communities.

Ojokwu, identified as the owner of the Prince Tarvan 50 brothel in Asaba, was brought before the Asaba Magisterial District on allegations that he permitted his premises to be used as a brothel and procured women and girls for prostitution. Police said the offences are punishable under Sections 224 and 223 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Vol. I, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria.

According to the spokesperson for the command, ACP Bright Edafe, Ojokwu was among 202 persons initially arrested during a large-scale operation led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations. The coordinated raids, based on intelligence generated by the State Intelligence Department, focused on identified black spots, brothels and suspected illicit drug dens across the Asaba metropolis and adjoining communities.

Police said all 202 suspects were profiled and subjected to preliminary investigation. At the end of the screening exercise, 172 individuals were released unconditionally after no incriminating evidence was found against them.

The remaining 30, including Ojokwu, were taken before the court. While the brothel proprietor faces charges linked to prostitution-related offences, the other 29 suspects were arraigned for conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace and for alleged possession of illicit drugs.

The operation forms part of a broader strategy by the Delta State Police Command to curb rising concerns over criminal activities in urban centres, particularly those linked to drug abuse, sex work and street crime. Security sources say such black spots often serve as convergence points for robbery gangs, drug dealers and other criminal networks.

Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to pursue every lawful arrest with thorough investigation and prosecution where a prima facie case is established. He warned operators of criminal hideouts and other unlawful establishments to desist from activities that threaten public peace and security.

Oyeniyi further stressed that the command will continue to sustain intelligence-driven operations across the state, insisting that the clampdown on criminal enclaves is central to restoring public confidence and ensuring safer communities for residents and businesses.