The Rivers State Police Command announced that it has found the head of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Police Division, Bako Angbashim, who was allegedly killed by a cult gang led by Gift Okpara, also known as 2Baba, in September 2023.
The Iceland cult gang ambushed Angbashim, took his body apart, and escaped with his remains on September 8, 2023 in Odiemude community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
After the killing, the suspects filmed the DPO’s dismembered body and shared it on social media.
The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed the discovery of the late DPO’s head in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Iringe-Koko additionally stated that the recovery was made during a joint operation by tactical squads from the command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau on the camp of the killed cult leader.
While mentioning that efforts were being made to find the remaining parts of Angbashim’s body, she said the “unwavering commitment to solving this terrible crime and ensuring justice has produced positive results.”
The statement mentioned, “On Sunday, March 10, 2024, a coordinated joint operation was carried out by tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau.
“This operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, also known as 2Baba, located in the forest area of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
“During the operation, thorough search efforts led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain police officer, SP Bako Angbashim, were found and subsequently removed.
“Notably, the removed remains include the head of the deceased. These retrieved remains have been taken to the mortuary for scientific examination and genetic testing.
“These tests aim to confirm the identity of the remains by carefully comparing them with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.
“Additionally, ongoing efforts are in progress to find and retrieve the other parts of SP Bako Angbashim’s body, believed to have been buried at different undisclosed locations within the forest.”
2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for this crime, was killed on February 17, 2024, during an assault carried out by the Rivers State Police Command in Ebrass in Ahoada West LGA.
A few days later, the police found the decomposing remains of the notorious cult leader from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, on behalf of the Rivers State Police Command, praised the unwavering dedication and firm commitment shown by all the officers involved in this operation.
The PPRO added, “The command expresses its gratitude to the community members for their invaluable support throughout the investigation process.
“The police will continue to prioritize the safety and security of all citizens, and they remain determined to arrest the remaining members of the gang.
The Rivers State Police Command is committed to maintaining peace, safety, and fairness in the state. We will give regular updates on the progress of the investigation as new developments occur.
