… Intensifies crackdown on ‘one-chance’ operators
By: Felix Ikpotor
The police in Rivers State has assured that the three officers of the command arrested in connection with the killing of Anthony Obodo, a former student of the University of Port Harcourt will be charged to court once all investigations are concluded.
This is as the police said it arrested fourteen suspects involved in ‘one-chance’ robbery operation in the state.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju diclosed this while parading the officers and suspects at the Command’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.
CP Adepoju who revealed the names of the officers to include ASP Fabian Κpeanebari, Inspector Solomon Nworgu, Cpl. Alfred Louis and Pc. Michael Ejekwu, said the officers were on routine patrol when they committed the offence.
Giving details into the incident, the CP said on 27th August 2026, at about1730hrs, patrol team from Agip Division, led by ASP Fabian Kpeanabari, was returning from NBA special duty at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium when the team sighted a black fully tinted Lexus vehicle with registration number: Reg ABU-376-TM.
“Upon sighting the vehicle, the team attempted to stop the vehicle but allegedly sped-off in an attempt to evade being checked. The patrol team consequently gave a chase.
“During the pursuit, Corpal Alfred Louis, who is attached to the patrol team, opened fire at the vehicle and bullet hit the driver identified as Anthony A. Obodo.”M” who sustained gunshot injury,” he said.
CP Adepoju said the victim was immediately rushed to Palmer’s Hospital, Port Harcourt, where he was attended to and subsequently confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, adding that the three members of the patrol team were immediately arrested and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port-Harcourt, where comprehensive investigation into the case was carried out while efforts were also intensified to locate and arrest INSP. Solomon Nworgu, who reportedly absconded following the incident.
The Rivers police chief said following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the culpability of the officers involved, they have been tried in orderly room with the other officer at large and recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
“They will subsequently be charged to court to face the appropriate criminal charges in accordance with the law, ” he assured.
The Police Commissioner said the action taken against the officers demonstrates that the Nigeria Police Force does not shield personnel who abuse the powers entrusted to them or act contrary to the law and professional standards of the Force.
“Let me reiterate that no police officer is above the law.Let me reassure you that the case will be charged to court, ” he added.
On the case of suspected ‘one-chance’ robbery operators, CP Adepoju said following incessant reports of the incidents within the Port Harcourt metropolis and its environs, he directed the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to intensify intelligence-led operations against the criminal syndicates.
He said acting on actionable intelligence, operatives of the Command on 18th August 2026 at about 0245hrs, stormed a suspected criminal hideout within Niger Street, Port Harcourt, where one Nelson Idakiniselegha ‘M’, ΑΚΑ Mandela, aged 30 years, was arrested.
The police said during interrogation, the suspect, who hails from Nkoro Town, Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State, confessed to being a member of a five-man one-chance robbery syndicate, adding that the suspect further disclosed the existence of another (4) four-man one-chance robbery syndicate operating along Garrison, Aba Road, Rumuola, Air Force, Rumuokwurusi, Obiri-Ikwerre and Choba axes of Port Harcourt.
The police said further investigation led to the arrest of Michael Matthew ‘M’, AKA Pilot, aged 29 years, on 23rd August 2026 at about 2230hrs.
The suspect the police stated was identified as a member of the Iceland cult group and the ring leader of one of the syndicates operating around Aba Road, East-West Road, Choba and NTA Road axis of Port Harcourt.
Similarly, Kelly Edison ‘M’, AKA BTC, aged 30 years and Daniel Obodo ‘M’, AKA Mazi, aged 18 years, were arrested at their respective hideouts in connection with the alleged one-chance robbery syndicates.
During investigation, the police said the suspects confessed to their involvement in the criminal activities, adding that investigation further revealed that Nelson Idakiniselegha, the first suspect, specialized in extracting SIM cards from victims and using same to facilitate unauthorized withdrawals from victims’ bank accounts.
CP Adepoju said sixteen assorted phones and one minibus were recovered from the suspects. He assured that they will all be charged to court at the end of investigations.
The Rivers police boss assured people of the state that the Command remains firmly committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
