Cops issue a final warning to Wakeley church rioters as arrests continue

NSW Police have continued to crack down on the Wakeley church rioters, making several arrests on Thursday and hunting for a final seven men. SEE THE PICTURES

Two months on from the Wakeley church riots police are continuing to make arrests and have issued a warning to a final group of seven men: hand yourselves in, before we knock on your doors.

Strike Force Dribs was set up a day after the wild riots on April 14, with the extensive investigation so far leading to 29 arrests, including six more on Thursday.

Calvin Abbosh, 41, Dounald Odesho, 31, Orom-Zakka Gabriel, 29, Bob Mafoa, 20, Christian Dib, 20, and a 17-year-old were the latest individuals to be charged over their alleged involvement, with early morning raids seeing them led from their homes in handcuffs by imposing balaclava-clad officers in front of their mothers, partners and children.

Dounald Odesho was arrested on Thursday morning and charged with riot, damage property, throw missile at police officer, and assault police officer in execution of duty. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Strike Force Dribs officers break down the front door of a home during a search warrant on Thursday. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Abbosh was charged with riot and violent disorder; Odesho was charged with riot, damage property, throw missile at police officer, and assault police officer in execution of duty; Gabriel was charged with riot and threaten violence cause fear; Mafoa received a future CAN for violent disorder; Dib was charged with threaten violence causing fear, join or continue in unlawful assembly and behave in offensive manner; while the 17-year-old was charged with riot and damage property.

Police will allege the men had varying roles in the riot that followed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel being stabbed during a live-streamed sermon inside the Christ the Good Shepherd Church, resulting in him losing an eye.

The door is sent flying off its hinges. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Strike Force Dribs commander, Superintendent Andrew Evans. Picture: Richard Dobson

Following the vision of the attack going viral on social media, thousands of people rushed to the church — some to check on the Bishop.

But police allege many others who attended did so to attack the teenager responsible for the alleged terror attack, and others to simply be involved in the riot.

Superintendent Andrew Evans told The Daily Telegraph he was “very happy” with the results of the Strike Force, but said their efforts were ongoing, and highlighted a final group of seven individuals now being sought by police.

NSW Police are hoping to talk to this man over the riot in April. Picture: NSW Police

Investigators are also keen to talk to this man. Picture: NSW Police

This person of interest is being referred to by police as “BU”. Picture: NSW Police

This person of interest is being referred to by police as “CB”. Picture: NSW Police

“Once these seven offenders are place before the courts, I would be satisfied that all of the individuals that were involved in serious acts of violence and riotous behaviour will have faced justice,” Supt Evans said.

“If you do not hand yourselves in, we will need to obtain a search warrant and have our tactical resources come and knock on your door and arrest you in front of your mother, your wife, your children or your neighbours.”

Police have so far released dozens of photos of alleged offenders involved in the riot outside Christ The Good Shepherd Church — with a large number of them being identified and subsequently charged, as a result of public assistance.

Supt Evans praised the help of the public and said the unique investigation that was Strike Force Dribs had been a valuable learning experience for all officers involved.

The man pictured above is known as “Person H”. Picture: NSW Police

NSW Police are hoping to talk to “Person Z”. Picture: NSW Police

A man, referred to as CD, is also being sought by police. Picture: NSW Police

“A number of people have been identified through public assistance and I would very much like to acknowledge the public and important role the community played,” Supt Evans said.

“Additionally the level of commitment and professionalism demonstrated by detectives has been outstanding.

“We’ve had detectives from local area commands and State Crime Command, and critically a number of junior investigators as part of the Strike Force.

“They have learnt skills here which they can now take away with them and to their local investigations and work.”

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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