PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – Six individuals have been arrested concerning the killing of the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Ahoada East Council, Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim.
The DPO was reportedly ambushed and killed on Friday, September 8, 2023, in the Odumude Forest by suspected Iceland cult group members.
The arrests were announced in a statement on Sunday, September 10, 2023, by the Rivers State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko.
According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended in the community with a locally crafted pistol and various charms.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Emeka, alongside his management team and tactical units, conducted an operation on Saturday, September 9, 2023, to recover the deceased DPO’s body and assess the situation in Odumude Community, Ahoada East LGA.
“During this operation, six suspects were apprehended within the community. Among the items seized were a locally crafted pistol and various charms. These suspects and the confiscated items are currently under police custody and are undergoing interrogation at the State CID, Port Harcourt,” said Iringe-Koko.
As a result of these developments, the community has been evacuated by its residents.
The Police Command has also appointed a new DPO, SP Zuokumor Richard, to take charge of the division.
Richard is backed by a team comprised of half a unit from Mopol 48, one-third unit from Mopol 19, 56, and tactical teams.
SP Zuokumor Richard has been tasked with thoroughly searching the area for the perpetrators behind the killing, recovering the DPO’s body, and locating any weapons used in the operation.
“This operation will continue while the investigation remains ongoing,” Iringe-Koko added.
The murder of SP Bako Angbashim has heightened concerns about safety and the presence of cult groups in Rivers State.
Residents and local authorities are calling for intensified efforts to curb crime and bring the culprits to justice.
The Rivers State Police Command is appealing to the public for any information that may assist in their ongoing investigation and assures that all leads will be confidentially handled.
