Juliana Francis
The Rivers State Police have uncovered how an Uber driver, Mr Oghenevwarhe Barry Akpobome, was booked by a passenger, taken to a shrine and murdered for alleged ritual purposes.
The disappearance of Akpobome caused police to launch an investigation, leading to the arrest of 35-year-old Anthony Chima, a political science graduate from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education.
While fielding questions from Police detectives, Chima revealed that he was recruited into a gang that specialised in luring cab drivers into ambushes, snatching their vehicles, and ultimately murdering them for ritualistic purposes and organ harvesting.
Chima further said that he was initiated into the crime by his friend, Amfoh Abu, who ensured that he was given the role of an armourer for the gang.
He also mentioned a man known as ‘Reason,’ a notorious ringleader, and General Effizy,’ a prominent figure in the Greenland cult and a seasoned kidnapper as part of the gang.
The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a Superintendent of Police, Grace Iringe-Koko, while confirming the achievement, said that “man known as ‘Reason,’ a notorious ringleader, and General Effizy,’ a prominent figure in the Greenland cult and a seasoned kidnapper.
The details of Akpobome’s demise emerged as Chima recounted the events of January 10, 2024.
Iringe said: “On that fateful day, he was summoned to Reason’s residence and instructed to call a driver whose number he had previously collected. Posing as a passenger, Chima lured the unsuspecting Uber driver to a remote area in Aminigboko, where he and Reason were met by General Effizy and other four members of the gang.
“The driver was forcibly removed from the vehicle and taken to Effizy’s shrine, where he was bound, gagged, and ultimately murdered. Chima’s involvement in the gruesome act was confirmed when the police, following his confession, recovered the victim’s skull and a locally fabricated Beretta pistol from Effizy’s residence.”
The confessions of Chima, sent shockwaves down the spines of many, prompting the Rivers State Police Commissioner, CP Tunji Disu, to advise both citizens and Uber drivers.
He urged them to exercise caution when boarding or transporting passengers, especially to remote or potentially dangerous areas.
The CP added that the investigation was ongoing, with the authorities still searching for the fleeing suspects involved in the chilling criminal enterprise.
“The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, and the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public in maintaining the safety of all citizens,” said Disu.
