Vigilante Leader and Two Accomplices Arrested for Torturing Man to Death in Rivers State

The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended three individuals, among them the head of a vigilante group, for their involvement in the alleged torture leading to a man's death in the Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Reports indicate that the suspects were caught in the act of trying to dispose of the deceased, identified as Ghadafi, an estimated thief, last Sunday, February 8, by the youths of the community along with a Joint Task Force in Ukpeliede.

The arrested individuals consist of the vigilante chairman, known as Joshua, a fellow member named Silas, and a motorcycle rider identified as Obed Godlove.

Images and footage reveal the victim was found unclothed, with his hands and feet bound using ropes.

Mr. Osiga King, the Chief Security Officer of Ukpeliede Community, shared insights with journalists on Monday, February 9, about the events leading to the apprehension of the three suspects who ultimately confessed to their actions.

King elaborated, "Recently, we have seen a surge in invasions by individuals from surrounding communities like Idu Ekpeye. As the security coordinator, I coordinated with soldiers protecting local facilities to enhance vigilance. On February 8, at around 1:30 PM, we noticed a motorcycle transporting someone who appeared deceased."

He continued, "The motorcycle veered toward a community known as Idu Ekpeye. Upon following them, we discovered they had dumped a lifeless body in Ukpeliede and swiftly departed. I alerted the soldiers about the suspicious circumstances near their post. We approached the area where they left the body, taking photographs before leaving."

"As we departed, the motorcycle rider returned to pick up two accomplices, Joshua and Friday Silas, to relocate the body to another location," King recounted. "My team and I pursued them and halted their vehicle on the road. I immediately contacted the soldiers and informed the DSS director in Akinima, who promptly notified the Divisional Police Officer of Akinima and other security personnel."

He added, "The suspects directed us to the location where they had hidden the corpse. Three individuals were apprehended: Obed Godlove from Idu-Ekpeye, and Joshua and Silas from Okogbe community."

"They admitted to murdering the young man, known as Ghadafi, through torture, claiming he had a history of theft, often stealing palm fruits from residents. They indicated he had even stolen a phone from a youth corps member the previous year, leading to a wave of fear in the community. Despite previous reports to the DPO and Area Command, the deceased continued to pose a threat in the vicinity."

When approached for comment, Grace Iringe Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, validated the occurrence, noting that the investigation is still ongoing. Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, remarked, "The victim was involved in numerous theft cases and was attacked by local youths, which ultimately resulted in his death. Three suspects are now in custody as the inquiry proceeds."