Four suspects who were allegedly linked to armed robbery and kidnapping gang have confessed to robbing and murdering a man, Joseph Onyeka in Rivers state and shooting a police inspector on duty, the police have revealed.
The Rivers State police command spokesperson, Agabe Kaborlo disclosed on Wednesday that the suspects were arrested in an intelligence operation in Rumuekpe Community, Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), on 4 October, while one of them was arrested in Owerri, Imo State.
The suspects includes Chinemerem Uchewo, from Rumuekpe Community in Emohua LGA, Micheal Ishaka, from Adabor Community in Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Abdulahi George, from Oduoha Community in Emohua LGA, and Gideon Okah, from Elele Alimini Community in Emohua LGA.
According to the Command spokesperson, Kaborlo, initial investigations linked the suspects to several armed robbery and kidnapping cases in Choba, Elele Alimini, Emohua and Rumuekpe communities.
Also, it was disclosed that the suspects confessed to the robbery and murder of Onyeka on 23 July, in Rumuji Community, Rivers State.
Read Also: CAPPA Urges Govt to Address Health Budgeting
More details revealed that they were also responsible for the attack and shooting of Inspector Womoma, the Command officer, who was on duty at a check-point along East-West Road by Elele Alimini Junction on 4 August, 2026.
The Command highlighted two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one English-made double-barrel rifle, one locally-made revolver pistol and 58 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspects.
The command said maximum effort would be made to arrest members of the criminal network that were in flight and bring all those found to be in connection with the alleged crimes before the law.
The Commissioner of Police (CP), Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the operatives for their bravery, professional skills and commitment in ensuring the safety of the people of Rivers state.
Adepoju commended the intelligence effort and promised to continue with the raids and investigations in pursuit of justice.
He urged suspected criminals and those willing to cooperate with the police to provide useful intelligence on the locations and movements of suspected members of the network responsible for the violent crimes.
The CP added that the command would prosecute all criminals found to be in connection with the crimes to bring them to justice.
The commissioner also begged residents in Rivers state to remain alert and report any suspicious activities in their communities to the police.
Residents can submit complaints or request emergency services by contacting the Police Complaint Response Unit on 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987 and 07072323049, or the Police Control Room on 08032003514.
