Rivers Police Arrest Vigilante Members Over Killing of Suspected Thief in Ahoada-West

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three people, including two members of a community vigilante group and a commercial motorcyclist, in connection with the alleged killing of a suspected thief in Okogbe community, Ahoada-West Local Government Area.

The suspects — Joshua, Friday Silas, and Godlove Obed — were accused of torturing a man identified as Gaddafi to death after he allegedly stole palm fruits in the community.

Police said the arrests were made in Ukpeliede community, also in Ahoada-West, during a joint operation involving community youths and the Joint Task Force (JTF). The trio was intercepted while allegedly attempting to dispose of the victim’s body.

During interrogation, Joshua, the vice chairman of the Okogbe vigilante group, claimed that Gaddafi had been a persistent security threat to the area. He said the suspect was apprehended with the intention of expelling him from the community but died during the process.

According to Rivers State Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, CSP, investigations have begun. She stated, “The suspect was involved in several cases of stealing and also attempted to rape an NYSC member in 2023. He was assaulted by community youths, which led to his death.”

The three suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue.