By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four individuals involved in vandalism and armed robbery in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state. Among those apprehended is the local vigilante commander in Isiokpo, Ododo Kingsley Obubochi, along with three other executive members of the local vigilante group.
According to a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspects were arrested on 26th March, 2024.
The statement said the vigilante group’s executives, namely Mark Prince, Destiny Onuigbo, and Azubuike Orlu, utilized their positions to access the group’s armoury, which they subsequently used in perpetrating criminal acts.
it added: “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 disassembly. 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”.
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.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has expressed concern over vigilante members’ involvement in criminal activities. He reiterated the command’s commitment to apprehending all individuals involved in criminal activities, regardless of their affiliations or positions within law enforcement structures.
