By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four persons for crimes bordering on kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.
Briefing newsmen at the Command’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt shortly after parading the suspects, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Mustapha Bala, said the arrests followed a series of highway robberies and kidnappings along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway.
He noted that three of the suspects, Blessing Akpelu, 20, Precious Ebee, 30, and Wisdom Oto Amadi, 28, all natives of Egbeda in Emohua LGA, were known for orchestrating roadblocks to trap unsuspecting travelers.
The Police Commissioner disclosed that the suspects have been under police surveillance after an alarming spike in kidnappings, including the abduction of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and two others.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the gang frequently set up illegal roadblocks at strategic points along the expressway, attacking motorists at gunpoint and taking hostages for ransom.
CP Mustapha revealed that the first two suspects were arrested on October 17, 2024, while Wisdom Amadi, identified as the gang leader, was arrested at Egbeda on October 19, 2024.
Also, in a separate operation, the police arrested one Barida Berebon, said to be a notorious armed robber, and recovered a vehicle, arms, and ammunition. The suspect, Berebon, was arrested with an SMG Rifle used to rob an NYSC member.
He said police traced the suspects’ whereabouts through intelligence gathering, and further, adding that further investigations are ongoing to arrest the remaining accomplices and assured that they would be charged to court at the end of investigation.
The Rivers Police Boss further urged members of the public to provide information to assist in capturing criminals terrorising the state.
CP Mustapha gotta assured the public that the command remains resolute in protecting lives and property, assuring that all four suspects will be charged to court, ensuring due process and justice are served.
He reiterated the command’s resolve to protect lives and property, urging the public to continue supporting the police in their efforts to maintain peace and security.
Meanwhile, on cross examination by journalists, one of the suspects,
Barida Berebon, from Bodo in Gokana local council of the state admitted to the crime of robbery but said he was lured into the act by his friend who is now at large.
