A new development has emerged in the investigation into the gruesome killing of Superintendent of Police (SP) Bako Angbashim, as operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have taken into custody a man alleged to be a close aide to the late suspected cult leader known as 2Baba.
The suspect, identified simply as Mr Bestman, is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Port Harcourt.
He was reportedly handed over to the police by soldiers attached to the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army following his arrest in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, says Revelations Agent report.
Security sources disclosed that Bestman and several others were apprehended during a raid on a guest house in Ihugbogo community, where troops were acting on intelligence related to alleged crude oil pipeline vandalism in the area.
However, during routine profiling at the SCIID, investigators allegedly discovered that the suspect had served as a Personal Assistant and chief enforcer to the late 2Baba, who had been declared a prime suspect in the killing of SP Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division.
However, sources familiar with the investigation further claimed that Bestman is suspected to have played a direct role in the brutal dismemberment of the slain police officer after he was killed on 9 September, 2023.
Investigators also reportedly identified the suspect in a circulated viral video shared on social media weeks after the incident, showing armed men believed to be members of the late gang leader’s group.
The killing of SP Angbashim had sparked nationwide outrage due to its brutality and the circumstances surrounding the attack on a serving senior police officer.
Police sources indicated that investigations into the suspect’s alleged involvement have been concluded and that he may be charged to court in the coming days.
When contacted for official confirmation, the spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said she would respond after obtaining details on the matter. As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued.
Meanwhile, multiple security officials have confirmed that the arrest represents a significant breakthrough in efforts to unravel the events surrounding the murder and bring all those responsible to justice.
