By Christopher Oji
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four member of a local vigilance group including its commander, Ododo Kingsley Obubochi, for robbery in Isiokpo area of the state.
Other members of the gang are: Mark Prince, Destiny Onuigbo, and Azubuike Orlu, who the police alleged to have utilized their positions as vigilante members to access the group’s armoury, which they subsequently used in perpetrating criminal acts.
According to River State Police Publlic Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Grace Iringe -Koko:”The sequence of events leading to their arrest unfolded when a scrap dealer, 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 NG N500,000.00 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.
“The items recovered from the suspects include: three automatic pump-action guns, one live cartridge, one plier, one machete, and two Qlink motorcycles without registration numbers.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed concern over vigilante members’ involvement in criminal enterprises.
The CP reiterated the command’s commitment to apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities, regardless of their affiliations or positions within the law enforcement structures.
He said the ongoing investigation was to apprehend other suspects involved in the criminal network.
The Rivers State Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.