Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended Obi Nduka Elunor, a well-known Delta High Chief, during a raid on his palace in Anwai, Asaba.
The arrest took place on Thursday evening and involved the capture of Elunor and seven of his associates, while others managed to escape into the nearby bush.
During the operation, which lasted several hours, DSS operatives discovered firearms and other incriminating items at the palace.
According to The Punch, Elunor was arrested based on a petition filed against him by members of his community regarding alleged “land grabbing” in Ugwu-Nwosu land, situated near Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
The source said: “The DSS invited Obi Elunor to their office. As the Obi went to the DSS office, personnel of the operatives, numbering over 20, invaded the Obi’s palace.
“AK-47 rifles and other things were recovered from the place; some of his men were arrested while others escaped.
“The DSS visited Asagba Palace on the issue, but Asagba said he did not send Obi Elunor.
“I am aware that Obi Nduka Elunor had, in times past, evicted some suspected IPOB members who used the land as their hideout during operations, and he mounted a board with an inscription ‘Asagba of Asaba’ on the said land, all in a bid to scare people away from the land.”
A high-ranking government official in the state, who wishes to remain anonymous, revealed that he was unable to grant bail to the suspect during his meeting with DSS officials on Friday evening. The officials stated that the investigation was still ongoing.
“I don’t actually know anything about his arrest; I wanted to see if I could intervene,” he said.
Additionally, a senior officer from the DSS, who chose not to disclose their identity, confirmed the incident. They mentioned that Elunor would either be released on bail or the case would be transferred to the police for further investigation.
