The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspect over the alleged illegal purchase of a prohibited firearm through social media, after he was found in possession of a Beretta pistol loaded with ammunition.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a video shared on Tuesday, where he displayed the recovered weapon and cautioned against the growing trend of illegal arms acquisition through online platforms.
While unveiling the contents of a bag allegedly belonging to the suspect, Edafe said, “This is a Beretta pistol, not even fabricated. It has the magazine and two 9mm ammunition,” noting that such weapons are strictly restricted to authorised security agencies.
The suspect, identified as Igbunu Evans from Sapele in Delta State, reportedly admitted during interrogation that he obtained the firearm via Snapchat, claiming he “ordered it through Snapchat from a smoke vendor” and paid N450,000 for its delivery.
Explaining his motive, Evans said the weapon was meant “for safety purposes… against any unknown gunmen or kidnappers,” while also confessing to involvement in internet fraud, stating he had been engaged in it for “three to four years.”
Reacting to the development, SP Edafe linked the case to a wider pattern of criminal activity, warning that “internet fraud, cultism, abuse of illicit substances, and now gun possession” reflect how “one crime gives birth to another.”
He reiterated that it is illegal for civilians to possess such firearms, stressing that the Beretta pistol is a prohibited weapon reserved strictly for government security agencies, and no individual is permitted to own it under the guise of self-defence.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigation.
(Leadership)
