Police nab vigilante leader, three others for armed robbery in Rivers

Operatives of Rivers State Police Command have arrested four suspects for vandalism and armed robbery in the state.

The suspects include the local vigilante commander in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Council of the state, Ododo Kingsley Obubochi, and three other executive members of the group.

The command said the arrest was a notable achievement in its fight against criminal activities within the state.

Confirming the development, spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the vigilante group’s executives, namely: Mark Prince, Destiny Onuigbo and Azubuike Orlu, utilised their positions to access the group’s armoury, which they subsequently used in perpetrating criminal acts.

Iringe-Koko said the sequence of events leading to their arrest unfolded when a scrap dealer, known as Prince, approached Ododo during a vigilante group member’s burial.

She explained that Prince, who posed as a businessman from Omagwa, proposed a joint venture involving the dismantling and sale of a mast belonging to Globacom, located on a secluded road in Elele.

The Police spokesperson further explained that following negotiations, Ododo agreed to provide firepower and monitoring during the operation, with Prince’s team responsible for the mast’s disassembly and a fee of N500,000 was set for Ododo’s participation.

She said: “The operation commenced as planned, with Ododo and his accomplices providing cover and supervision.

“However, their criminal activities were disrupted when they were intercepted by a police patrol unit during the operation. A confrontation ensued, resulting in their arrest. Two of the vandals escaped, while four were arrested.

“The items recovered from the arrested individuals, include three automatic pump-action guns, one live cartridge, one plier, one machete, and two Qlink motorcycles without registration numbers.”

Meanwhile, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has expressed concern over vigilante members’ involvement in criminal enterprises.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to apprehending all individuals involved in criminal activities, regardless of their affiliations or positions within law enforcement structures.

“The ongoing investigation aims to apprehend the remaining fugitive suspects involved in this criminal network.”

“The Rivers State Police Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” he added.