The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 6 suspected cultists in connection with the murder of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Bako Angbashim in the state.
Late Bako Angbashim was killed during a shoot-out with some cultists in the Odiemudie Community in the Ahoada East LGA of the state as their vehicle ran into an ambush last Friday while reporting from the operation.
Angbashim killing had attracted public outrage and Governor Fubara of Rivers State on Saturday placed a N100m bounty on anyone who gives information that would lead to the arrest of one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu who the governor said was linked to the killing by intelligence from the security agencies.
Rivers State Police command’s spokesman, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest of six suspects in a statement issued on Sunday in Port-Harcourt but was silent about whether Gift David Okpara Okpolowu was among them.
She said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Emeka Polycarp, along with his management team and tactical units, conducted an operation on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at approximately 0600hrs in Odumude Community, Ahaoda East LGA, Rivers State with the objective to recover the deceased DPO’s body and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the community.
She said during this operation, six suspects were apprehended within the community. Among the items seized were a locally crafted pistol and various charms.
According to her, the suspects and the confiscated items are currently under police custody and are undergoing interrogation at the State CID, Port Harcourt. As a result of these developments, the community has been evacuated by its residents.
“Furthermore, a new DPO, SP Zuokumor Richard, has been assigned to the division.
“He is accompanied by half a unit of men from Mopol 48, a one-third unit from Mopol 19, 56, and tactical teams.
“He has been tasked with a thorough search of the area, apprehension of the culprits responsible for the DPO’s demise, recovery of the body, and location of any operational weapons used”, the police spokesman said.
She added that: “This operation will continue while the investigation remains ongoing.