The Delta State Police Command has arrested a man accused of illegally acquiring a prohibited firearm through social media.
Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe revealed the development in a video shared on Tuesday, where he displayed a Beretta pistol recovered from the suspect. He also raised concerns about the growing trend of using online platforms to obtain illegal weapons.
While presenting the item, Edafe stated, “This is a Beretta pistol, not even fabricated. It has the magazine and two 9mm ammunition,” noting that such firearms are strictly reserved for authorised security agencies.
The suspect, identified as Igbunu Evans from Sapele, reportedly admitted to purchasing the weapon via Snapchat. According to him, he “ordered it through Snapchat from a smoke vendor” and paid N450,000 for its delivery.
When asked why he acquired the firearm, he claimed it was “for safety purposes… against any unknown gunmen or kidnappers.” However, he also confessed to engaging in internet fraud, saying he had been involved for “three to four years.”
Reacting to the case, Edafe described it as part of a wider pattern of criminal activity, stating that “internet fraud, cultism, abuse of illicit substances, and now gun possession” demonstrate how “one crime gives birth to another.”
He stressed that civilians are not permitted to own such weapons, adding that the Beretta pistol “is a prohibited firearm that can only be linked to government security agencies.”
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to face prosecution.
