The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its investigation into the robbery incidents at the Dr. Obi Wali International Cultural Centre and Tottinno Filling Station, with the arrest of five additional suspects and the recovery of key exhibits.
In a press statement issued on Monday by the Command Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspects were arrested separately at different locations within the Diobu and Ikoku areas of Port Harcourt on November 25, 26 and 28, 2025. The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in custody to nine.
According to the police, the arrests were made through intelligence-led policing, reflecting the commitment of operatives to tracking down those involved in the criminal activities.
The newly arrested suspects were identified as Victor Ukabi, 41, from Nkpa in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State; Basil Nwagazie, 65, from Eziebodo in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State; Nkechinyere Wokem, 30, a Point of Sale (POS) operator from Ubuohia, Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State; Obinna Nwankwo, 44, from Umu-Erim in Umuaji Uloke, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State; and Igwe Amabi Eze, 51, from Osuofio in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, who was identified as the receiver of the stolen items.
The Command recalled that the alleged leader of the gang, Bright Nwabueze, also known as “Bishop,” aged 53, was earlier intercepted and arrested at the Rumuokoro flyover, where two rifles were recovered from his vehicle.
Exhibits recovered so far include a 30KVA generator, which was traced to and recovered from a buyer in Onitsha on December 12, 2025; several inverter batteries recovered from a receiver’s shop at Ikoku; and two rifles.
Police said the suspects and recovered items are currently in custody, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the gang involved in the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their dedication and professionalism. He also urged residents to continue to support the police with credible information to strengthen the collective fight against crime across the state.
