Police to CSOs: Deceased Was Involved in Kidnapping, Robbery, Cultism
From ERIC MOORE, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has told members of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that a suspect named Okereke Abraham Chukwudi, was implicated in cases of kidnapping, robbery and cultism.
Police’s reaction was on the heels of a recent press conference held by a member of the CSOs concerning the death of Chukwudi, a suspect in their (Police) custody.
According to Police, the suspect and his accomplices were allegedly involved in the abduction of a business woman in Diobu axis of Port Harcourt on September 7, 2023.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), in a statement made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, on Saturday, said the suspects collected N3.5 million ransom from the victim’s family, after she had spent seven days in their custody.
Iringe-Koko stated: “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of a press conference held on May 23, 2024, by a member of the Civil Society Organizations regarding the death of one Okereke Abraham Chukwudi, who was a suspect in Police custody.
“The Police would like to inform the public that the deceased was implicated in a case involving kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
“This relates to the kidnapping of a female business tycoon (name withheld) in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt on September 7, 2023.”
According to Iringe-Koko, the victim was kidnapped by five armed gunmen and taken to a hideout in Elechi waterside.
She said the kidnappers were armed with AK-47 rifles, a pump-action shotgun, and locally-made pistols.
PentoksNews gathered that he victim was held captive for seven days and was released after her family had paid a ransom of ₦3.5 million.
She said investigations revealed that the deceased was a member of the Dey-Gbam secret cult gang, adding that he and his accomplices purchased one of the AK-47 rifles used during the operation.
Iringe-Koko disclosed: “Two of the kidnappers have been arrested, and they are also members of the Dey-Gbam cult group.
“Sometime last month, the Police held a meeting with the parents and spouse of the deceased, who were accompanied by two of their family’s legal representatives.
“During this meeting, it was agreed that the family would participate in the autopsy to determine the cause of death.
“The case of the death of the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigations to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident.
“We remain committed to ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the investigative process.”
Ends.