Six suspects have been arrested by the Rivers Police in connection with the murder of the DPO.
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested six persons suspected to be connected to the gruesome murder of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Ahoada Police Division in Ahoada-East local government area of the state, Bako Angbashim.
In response to the murder of the DPO, the Rivers Police have apprehended six individuals. This development comes after Commissioner of Police Nwonyi Emeka appointed Superintendent of Police Zuokumor Richard as the new DPO for the Ahoada Police Division.
The arrests followed an operation conducted by a team led by Commissioner of Police Nwonyi Emeka, in collaboration with his management team and tactical units, at Odumude community in Ahoada-East local government area on Saturday.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement released to the media in Port Harcourt on Sunday, the operation had the dual purpose of recovering Angbashim’s body and conducting an on-the-spot assessment of the community.
Iringe-Koko further explained that the suspects, who were found in possession of locally made firearms and various charms, are currently undergoing interrogation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Port Harcourt.
The statement reads in part:
“The Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, CP Nwonyi Emeka Polycarp, Psc LLB, ph,D, along with his management team and tactical units, conducted an operation on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at approximately 0600hrs in Odumude Community, Ahaoda East LGA, Rivers State with the objective to recover the deceased DPO’s body and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the community.
“During this operation, six suspects were apprehended within the community. Among the items seized were a locally crafted pistol and various charms. These suspects and the confiscated items are currently under police custody and are undergoing interrogation at the State CID, Port Harcourt. As a result of these developments, the community has been evacuated by its residents.”
The spokesperson for the Command revealed that the new DPO was joined by a contingent consisting of half a unit from Police Mobile Force (PMF) 48 and one-third units from PMF 19 and 56, along with other tactical teams.
She emphasized that the primary objectives for the new DPO included conducting a comprehensive search of the area, apprehending the individuals responsible for the late DPO’s murder, recovering the body, and locating any operational weapons that may have been used.
The statement further conveyed, “Moreover, a fresh appointment has been made for DPO SP Zuokumor Richard, who is accompanied by half a unit from Mopol 48, and one-third units from Mopol 19 and 56, as well as tactical teams.
“He has been entrusted with the mission of conducting a thorough area search, apprehending the culprits behind the DPO’s unfortunate demise, ensuring the recovery of the body, and locating any operational weapons involved. This operation will continue concurrently with the ongoing investigation.”
