Slain Rivers DPO: Police ask prime suspect to submit self as proof of innocence

The Rivers State Police Command has asked one Gift David Okpara, also called, ‘2baba’, who is the leader of Iceland cult gang and the prime suspect in the murder of former Ahoada East Divisional Police Officer (DPO) SP Bako Angbashim, to submit himself to authority as proof to support his claims of innocence.

The call was a response to a recent claim by the suspect denying any involvement in the tragic death of the police officer on September 8.

It will be recalled that 2Baba who recently spoke from his hiding, through a voice note sent to some media houses in Port Harcourt, said the news of the death of the DPO came to him as a rude shock, insisting that he does not have a hand in it.

The suspect, who has a N100 million bounty placed on him, said he spoke to Angbashim a few hours before he was murdered.

Although, he confirmed that he had accepted the government amnesty to cultists, saying he went to take back his guns when their rival cult gang started killing his men without any intervention.

However, the police in a statement signed by its spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, yesterday, said in observance of the principle of fair hearing, it is crucial for ‘2Baba’ to cooperate with the law and come forward with information that will aid investigation into the matter.

The statement reads: “While the police acknowledge the denial made by Gift David, it is important to emphasise that the principle of justice demands a fair hearing for all parties involved. The police understand the importance of listening to the other party, and it is crucial to note that everyone is considered innocent until proven otherwise.”

MEANWHILE, a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted bail to seven persons out of over 50 suspects arrested in connection with Angbashim’s death.