Police arrest notorious armed robbery suspect in Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old notorious cultist and armed robbery suspect identified as Innocent Chigozie, who had been terrorizing farm lands at Uzo Afor road in Okahia Community, Elele, Etche LGA.

The suspect, who is the leader of a cultist gang, was arrested on January 30, 2025, at about 0630hrs, in his hideout through coordinated intelligence by Operatives from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU), said the command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko.

According to Iringe-Koko, during interrogation, Chigozie confessed to owning the recovered exhibits, which include one Automatic Pump Action Gun and two Live Cartridges.

She said: “The suspect, leader of a cultist gang, had been terrorizing farm lands at Uzo Afor road in Okahia Community, Elele, Etche LGA.

The gang’s activities have caused widespread panic and tension in the community.

“Earlier last year, this same gang had engaged Police Operatives of the Command on a gun duel, but were chase away. On 30th January, 2025, at about 0630hrs, Operatives arrested Innocent Chigozie m, 35yrs in his hideout through coordinated intelligence.

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“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to owning the recovered exhibits, which include:One Automatic Pump Action Gun, Two Live Cartridges.”

She said the suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody, with investigation ongoing to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover their operational weapons.

She added that the arrest is a significant milestone in the Rivers State Police Command’s efforts to combat cultism and armed robbery in the state.

The Command has assured that it will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.