The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a vigilante leader, Ododo Kingsley, along with three accomplices, on charges of armed robbery and vandalism.
According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, Kingsley, also known as Obubochi, serves as the vigilante commander in Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Iringe-Koko disclosed that the three accomplices, Mark Prince, Destiny Onuigbo, and Azubuike Orlu, are executive members of the local vigilante group.
“The vigilante group’s executive members, namely Mark Prince, Destiny Onuigbo, and Azubuike Orlu, utilised their positions to access the group’s armoury, which they subsequently used in perpetrating criminal acts.
“The sequence of events leading to their arrest unfolded when a scrap dealer, known as Prince, approached Ododo (Obubochi), 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.”
She stated that following negotiations, Ododo agreed to provide firepower and monitoring during the operation, with Prince’s team responsible for the mast’s disassembly, noting that a fee of N500,000 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,” she stated.
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.
Superintendent of Police Iringe-Koko noted that Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu expressed dismay over the vigilante members’ involvement in criminal enterprises.
CP Disu reiterated the command’s commitment to apprehending all individuals involved in criminal activities, regardless of their affiliations.
The ongoing investigation aims to apprehend the remaining fugitive suspects involved in the criminal network. The Rivers State Police Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
