Operatives of C4i Strike Force unit of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested one Samuel Nwokoma, a 25-year-old suspected armed robber and member of Blood Star cult group in Port Harcourt.
The arrest was in collaboration with the Diobu Vigilante group.
The suspect, according to police, was identified as being involved in a series of cult-related killings within the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
Spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement yesterday, said the arrest was based on credible intelligence.
Iringe-Koko noted that the suspect, during interrogation confessed to his involvement in two specific incidents, which led to the death of one Ede Sunday and George Johnson, recently at the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt.
She said: “On March 14, at about 8:30p.m., he and his gang attacked and fatally shot Ede Sunday, 32, at Nanka Street by Lumumba, Dioubu, Port Harcourt.
“On March 16,, at about 8:35p.m., they also shot George Johnson, 28, in the chest at Ojoto Street by Emenike, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
“Despite receiving immediate medical attention at New Mile One Clinic Diobu, Johnson tragically succumbed to the injuries.”
Iringe-Koko further stated that the police made a significant breakthrough when the suspect led operatives to the gang’s hideout at Ogwu Waterside, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
She said upon the arrival of the police, the remaining gang members fled the scene and evaded capture by jumping into the river.
Iringe-Koko, however, said that a search was conducted at the hideout, where arms and ammunition were recovered, including three AK-47 rifles, one assault rifle, six AK-47 magazines, one Beretta pistol, 274 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition,105 rounds of 6.55 live ammunition, nine rounds of 9mm ammunition, seven packets of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one long detonating wire and various types of charms.
MEANWHILE, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has described the recovery of those dangerous weapons and explosives as of utmost importance.
According to him, it not only neutralises immediate threat to public safety, it also highlights the commitment of the command in combating violent crimes within communities.
He said: “We assure the public that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that all individuals involved in these criminal activities are apprehended.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community.”
Disu urged members of the community to continue cooperating with the police by providing relevant information that may aid in the arrest of the remaining suspects.
