The Rivers State Police Command has announced a breakthrough in the investigation into the kidnapping and murder of a popular Port Harcourt Fashion Designer, Hope Georgewill, CEO of HMG Attitude Ltd.

Georgewill was abducted alongside two others on March 26, 2025, by notorious pirates led by the prime suspect, Preye Ngian-Ngian ‘M’, along the Cotton Channel, Bakana River.

Despite a ransom payment of ₦2,000,000, Georgewill’s body was later recovered and deposited at the morgue.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Command’s Spokesperson, in a statement, said the police operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) launched a tactical operation on the kidnappers’ hideout on April 3, 2025, following intelligence gathered from earlier arrested suspects.

She noted that in the ensuing gun battle, two suspects were fatally wounded, while others fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries.

She added that the police recovered several exhibits, including an operational speedboat, outboard engines, the deceased’s mobile phone, and live cartridges.

She said: “Following relentless investigative efforts and intelligence led policing, on April 3, 2025, at about 0730hrs, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua, in collaboration with intelligence gathered from two earlier arrested suspects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, launched a tactical operation on the kidnappers’ hideout located in a creek off the Bonny Waterway.

“Upon arrival at the hideout, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from the hoodlums. The team responded with decisive force, and in the ensuing exchange, two of the suspects were fatally wounded, while others fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries.

“The two initial suspects who led the team to the location attempted to escape during the melee but were later apprehended with gunshot wounds.

“During a continued combing of the creek, the following exhibits were recovered: One operational speedboat; One 80-horsepower and one 70-horsepower outboard engine, respectively; The deceased’s mobile phone (SIM card removed); One live cartridge; Food supplies used by the kidnappers.

“All four wounded suspects were immediately transported to the Police Clinic for emergency treatment. However, upon arrival, the attending medical officer confirmed them dead on arrival. Their remains have since been deposited for autopsy.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the men of the command for their efforts, stating that the command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the state, adding that further investigations are ongoing, and the public will be updated with any new developments.