23rd April, 2024
By Okafor Ofiebor /Port Harcourt
A Commander of a vigilante group in Rivers identified as Ododo Kingsley Obubochi and three members of his executive have been arrested by the police for involvement in the dismantling and sale of a mast belonging to Globacom, located on a secluded road in Elele area of Ikwerre local government area of the state.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Rivers Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe Koko identified the other suspects as Mark Prince, Destiny Onuigbo, and Azubuike Orlu.
According to the police statement, the four accused utilized their positions as executive members of the vigilante group to access the group’s armoury where they obtained weapons which they subsequently used in perpetrating criminal acts.
“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. Prince, presenting himself 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.
“Following negotiations, Ododo agreed to provide firepower and monitoring during the operation, with Prince’s team responsible for the mast’s dismantling. A fee of NGN500,000.00 was set for Ododo’s participation.
“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, while two of the vandals escaped 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.
“In response to this development, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, 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”.