29th April, 2024
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Sixteen suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a female police Inspector Christiana Erekere, who was killed in the line of duty on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at approximately 4 pm.
The news of the arrest of the suspects is contained in a press statement issued by SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command on Monday.
Iringe-Koko said, “According to preliminary investigations, the incident occurred when a group of individuals traveling in a Lexus salon car was stopped for routine checks at the checkpoint in front of Taabaa Police Station in Khana local government area of Rivers State.
However, the occupants became agitated and proceeded to barricade the road, obstructing the movement of other vehicles.
“After completing the necessary checks, the police officers requested that the individuals to leave the scene. Unfortunately, they refused, alleging that Inspector Erekere had recorded a video of their disruptive behavior using her mobile phone.
“In their attempt to seize Inspector Erekere’s phone forcefully, they launched a violent attack against her, striking her with stones. The severity of the assault caused Inspector Erekere to lose consciousness, and she was immediately transported to Nnadum Hospital in Bori.
Regrettably, she succumbed to the injuries sustained during the attack”.
The Rivers State Police Command has initiated a thorough investigation into this abhorrent incident, and all individuals involved will be apprehended and brought to justice.
The Command extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased colleague during this difficult time.
Inspector Erekere’s remains have been transferred to the mortuary pending an autopsy.
The Rivers State Police vowed that that the perpetrators of the heinous crime will be swiftly apprehended and held accountable for their actions.