Juliana Francis
The Rivers State Police Command said it has arrested a vigilante Commander in Isiokpo, identified as Ododo Kingsley Obubochi, along with three executives for alleged armed robbery and vandalism.
According to the Police, the vigilante group’s executives, 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 Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko explained that the sequence of events leading to their arrest unfolded when a scrap dealer, known as Prince, approached Ododo during a vigilante group member’s burial.
The image manager said: “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.
“Following negotiations, Ododo agreed to provide firepower and monitoring during the operation, with Prince’s team responsible for the mast’s disassembly. A fee of N500,000.00 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. A confrontation ensued, resulting in their arrest, while two of the vandals escaped three people were arrested.”
The items recovered from the arrested individuals include three Automatic pump-action guns, one live cartridge, one plier, one machete, and two Qlink motorcycles without registration numbers.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, expressed concern over vigilante members’ involvement in criminal enterprises.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to arresting all individuals involved in criminal activities, regardless of their affiliations or positions within law enforcement structures.
He stated: “The ongoing investigation aims to apprehend the remaining fugitive suspects involved in this criminal network. We hereby urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.”
