13th March, 2024
By Okafor Ofiebor Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command says it has recovered the skull of late former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division in Rivers State, SP Bako Angbashim murdered last year by a notorious cult leader, Gift Okpara a.k.a 2baba and his gang members.
The Police Public Relation Officer, PPRO, SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement said on Sunday, March 10, 2024, a coordinated joint operation was carried out by the tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau.
She said the operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, 2Baba, situated within the forested region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
“During the operation, diligent search efforts led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim, were located and subsequently exhumed. Notably, the exhumed remains include: the skull of the deceased,’ she said.
She said the recovered remains had been taken to the mortuary, where they would undergo scientific examination and genetic testing, saying these tests aimed to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.
The Police Command also assured that there are ongoing efforts to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of SP Bako Angbashim’s body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest.
2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for this heinous crime, met his demise on February 17, 2024, during a planned assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command.
2Baba died in Ebrass, Ahoada West Local Government Area, but unfortunately, his gang members managed to escape with his body. However, following an intensive seven-day search, aided by credible intelligence, 2baba’s body was ultimately recovered from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.
The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu commended the unwavering dedication and resolute commitment demonstrated by all the officers involved in this operation.
The Command extended its gratitude to the community members for their invaluable support throughout the investigation process.
“The police will continue to prioritize the safety and security of all citizens, and they remain determined to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to uphold peace, security, and justice within the state. Regular updates on the progress of this investigation will be provided as developments unfold,” he said.