By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Police Command says it’s has arrested one Samuel Nwokoma, a 25-year-old male and a member of the notorious BLOOD STAR (BS) Cult group terrorising the Diobu axis of the State capital, Port Harcourt.
A statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko said the arrested cultist has been involved in series of cult-related killings within the Diobu axis of the state.
She said the suspect was arrested through collaboration by men of the command with a local security outfit.
“Rivers State Police Command, in collaboration with the C4i Strike Force and Diobu Vigilante, has made significant progress in addressing the recent wave of cult-related attacks and killings in the Diobu area of Mile One, Port Harcourt.
“On the 17th of March, 2024, at approximately 0700hrs, based on credible intelligence, Operatives of the C4i Strike Force, in conjunction with the Diobu Vigilante, apprehended one Samuel Nwokoma, a 25-year-old male and a member of the notorious BLOOD STAR (BS) Cult group. Nwokoma has been identified as being involved in a series of cult-related killings within the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt,” Iringe-Koko said.
She said during interrogation, Samuel Nwokoma confessed to his involvement in “two specific incidents. On the 14th of March, 2024, at approximately 2030hrs, he and his gang attacked and fatally shot Ede Sunday, a 32-year-old male, at Nanka Street by Lumumba, Dioubu, Port Harcourt. On the 16th of March, 2024, at approximately 2035hrs, they also shot George Johnson, a 28-year-old male, in the chest at Ojoto Street by Emenike, Diobu, Port Harcourt. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at New Mile One Clinic Diobu, George Johnson tragically succumbed to his injuries”.
The police spokesperson said the suspect led Police Operatives to the gang’s hideout at Ogwu Waterside, Diobu, Port Harcourt. However, upon the arrival of the police, the remaining gang members fled the scene and attempted to evade capture by jumping into the river, adding that intensive efforts are currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
She revealed that the search conducted at the hideout yielded substantial evidence in the form of recovered arms and ammunitions which includes three AK-47 rifles, one assault rifle, six AK-47 magazines, one Beretta pistol, 274 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition, 105 rounds of 6.55 live ammunition, nine rounds of .9mm ammunition, seven packets of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one long detonating wire, and various types of charms.
The police stated that the recovery of the dangerous weapons and explosives is of utmost importance, as it not only neutralizes an immediate threat to public safety but also highlights the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command in combating violent crimes within the communities.
The police assured that that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the apprehension of all individuals involved in the criminal activities.
Iringe-Koko in the statement said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu urges members of the community to continue cooperating with the police by providing relevant information that may aid in the arrest of the remaining suspects.
