By Deborah Nnamdi
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the attack on its operatives at Tonninno Filling Station in Elioparanwo, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where rifles were stolen early last month.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt. She said the breakthrough followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who ordered the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the case and track down the perpetrators.
According to her, operatives deployed intelligence-led policing and technical support to apprehend four suspects directly linked to the assault and recover the two rifles stolen during the attack. The suspects were also found to have been involved in multiple criminal activities across Port Harcourt and other parts of the state.
Those arrested include Anselem Paul, 45; Supurchi Ejifor, also known as Emejaka, 48; Bright Nwabueze, alias Bishop, 53; and Utibe Sunday, 24. Another suspect, Ebuka Ruben, 32, identified as the alleged mastermind of the filling station attack, was also captured.
Iringe-Koko added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
Commissioner Adepoju commended the operatives for their swift action and professionalism, assuring that the command would continue to intensify efforts to ensure criminals are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the command recently announced the arrest of two suspected car snatchers believed to be behind several vehicle thefts in Port Harcourt and neighbouring states. One of the stolen cars was traced to Abia State, where one of the suspects was apprehended.
