13th May, 2024
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three members of a syndicate specialising in armed robbery and kidnapping on flyovers, in Port-Harcourt.
However a member of the gang escaped.
According to police, this group notorious for preying on unsuspecting victims using the one-chance tactics, has been a growing concern for authorities and residents of the state.
Grace Iringe-Koko, Spokesperson of the Rivers Police Command in a press statement said the gang, consisting of four individuals, operates using a taxi, targeting victims on flyovers.
“The modus operandi involves brandishing weapons such as a locally made pistol and daggers to intimidate victims before robbing them of their possessions.
“The gang’s criminal activities commenced in October 2023 when their leader, Smart Obele (currently at large), initiated the one-chance scheme with Michael Gershon, a native of Ikolinem-Ikot-Okon in Esemudim Local Government Area, Akwa-Ibom State.
Police revealed further that Michael, aged 27, agreed to use his vehicle for these operations after a meeting over beer bottles, where the details were discussed.
Police said Nsikak Ibanga, aged 26, was introduced by Michael, having arrived in Port Harcourt from Akwa-Ibom state. Nsikak, described as a ‘fearless operator,’ joined the gang alongside, Peace Paul, the female among them aged 22, who was informed by Michael that he would be sending her money frequently for withdrawal.
The Command further revealed that the gang strategized their operations, targeting women exclusively and executing their plans on a weekly basis starting at 9 pm. Their criminal activities involved violence, with victims being severely beaten. Notably, they managed to extort 1.8 million Naira from one victim using ATM cards and a POS machine.
The nabbing of three suspects, Michael, Nsikak, and Peace, has resulted in confessions and cooperation with authorities to capture the remaining member of the gang.
The police have already recovered the operational vehicle, an ash-colored Mazda 323
Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly, emphasizing the Police’s commitment to ensuring public safety and combating criminal elements in Rivers State.
