A notorious gang leader, Ogaga Dickson, has recounted his harrowing journey from being a struggling welder to leading an armed robbery syndicate responsible for the death of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Delta State. The confession comes after his arrest by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force, following a three-week manhunt.
Dickson, 35, and his gang orchestrated the attack that claimed the life of CSP Hassan Jega, the DPO of Agbarho Division, during a gun battle on October 14, 2024. According to police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the confrontation occurred during an operation to recover a stolen vehicle, resulting in the neutralization of four gang members. The gang leader’s arrest on November 1 marked a turning point in the investigation, unraveling a network of crime that spanned Delta, Bayelsa, and beyond.
A Descent into Crime
In an emotional recount, Dickson revealed that financial struggles in his welding career pushed him into petty theft. “I met John Linus, who introduced me to stealing parked cars. At first, I didn’t know they were stolen,” he said. Dickson explained how a series of financial challenges forced him to abandon welding and join Linus in what initially seemed like a quick fix to his woes.
“When I realized the cars were stolen, it was too late to back out. I needed the money. Eventually, I learned to use master keys and ventured into stealing cars myself,” he admitted.
However, dissatisfaction with how Linus spent the proceeds led Dickson to strike out on his own. Teaming up with another accomplice, Ebimoh, he escalated from car theft to armed robbery, acquiring firearms to target high-value vehicles. “We realized that to steal exotic cars, we needed guns,” Dickson said.
Crime Escalates
The gang’s first armed robbery in January 2024 marked a chilling new chapter. Dickson described how they trailed a Lexus SUV owner to his home in Abraka and ambushed him at gunpoint. “The moment he saw our guns, he surrendered with his girlfriend. We collected the keys, phones, and drove off,” he recounted.
Their operations became increasingly bold. In one instance, the gang snatched a Mercedes Benz GLE SUV and sold it for N10 million. The profits were shared equally among members, fueling their lavish lifestyles and preparing for international escapes.
The Deadly Encounter
The gang’s activities took a tragic turn in October 2024 during an operation to steal a Toyota Hilux in Sapele. As Dickson attempted to disable the vehicle’s tracking system, his accomplices spotted a police patrol van approaching. A shootout ensued, during which CSP Hassan Jega was fatally wounded.
“We didn’t know he was the DPO at the time,” Dickson confessed. “When the police retreated, we fled in the Hilux and later sold it for N10.5 million.”
Police Crackdown
Determined to bring the killers to justice, the IRT launched a relentless pursuit. Using intelligence gathered from vehicle buyers, the operatives tracked down Dickson and his associates. Among those arrested was Chibike Umeh, a buyer of the stolen vehicles, and a female suspect implicated in the Hilux transaction.
Speaking about the breakthrough, ACP Adejobi highlighted the importance of collaboration and persistence. “Our operatives recovered firearms, ammunition, and six exotic vehicles, demonstrating our commitment to dismantling criminal networks,” he said.
Lessons from a Life of Crime
Dickson’s confession offers a rare glimpse into the psyche of a criminal. He admitted that his decision to bury the gang’s firearms and prepare travel documents for Canada was a futile attempt to escape justice.
“I thought I could leave everything behind and start afresh. But crime catches up with you,” he said, expressing regret over the loss of lives and the path he chose.
For CSP Jega’s family and the police community, the arrest is a bittersweet moment. It serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily and the need for citizens to reject the allure of crime.
As investigations continue, the police have vowed to pursue justice for the fallen officer and ensure that those responsible for the wave of violence in Delta State face the full weight of the law.
