The Rivers State Police Command reported that its officers have arrested a well-known member of a cult group who is believed to have been involved in a number of murders and armed robberies in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt and other parts of the state.
The police stated that the alleged cult member, Samuel Nwokoma, 25 years old, and his group were responsible for the deaths of two young individuals in the Diobu area of Mile 1 in Port Harcourt during attacks that occurred between March 14 and 17, 2024.
The spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed this information in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Iringe-Koko mentioned that the group fatally shot Ede Sunday, 32, at Nanka Street by Lomumba, Dioubu, Port Harcourt on March 14 and also shot 28-year-old George Johnson in the chest at Ojoto Street by Emenike, Mile 1 in Port Harcourt two days later.
She explained that the well-known cult member was captured following reliable information by officers of the C4i Strike Force of the command, in collaboration with a local vigilante. This led to a raid on the camp of the ‘Blood Star’ cult group and the discovery of a stash of arms and ammunition.
The statement said, “On the 17th of March, 2024, at approximately 0700hrs, based on credible intelligence, Operatives of the C4i Strike Force, in conjunction with the Diobu Vigilante, apprehended one Samuel Nwokoma, a 25-year-old male and a member of the notorious Blood Star Cult group.
“Nwokoma has been identified as being involved in a series of cult-related killings within the Diobu area of Port Harcourt. During the subsequent interrogation, Samuel Nwokoma confessed to his involvement in two specific incidents.
“On the 14th of March, 2024, at approximately 2030hrs, he and his gang attacked and fatally shot Ede Sunday, a 32-year-old male, at Nanka Street by Lomumba, Dioubu, Port Harcourt.
“On the 16th of March, 2024, at approximately 2035hrs, they also shot George Johnson, a 28-year-old male, in the chest at Ojoto Street by Emenike, Diobu, Port Harcourt.
“Despite receiving immediate medical attention at New Mile One Clinic Diobu, George Johnson tragically succumbed to his injuries.”
The statement added, “In a significant breakthrough, Samuel Nwokoma led police operatives to the gang’s hideout at Ogwu Waterside in Diobu, Port Harcourt.
“However, upon the arrival of the police, the remaining gang members fled the scene and attempted to evade arrest by jumping into the river. Intensive efforts are underway to apprehend and bring the fleeing suspects to justice.
“The search conducted at the hideout yielded substantial evidence in the form of recovered arms and ammunition.
“The recovered items include three AK-47 rifles, one assault rifle, six AK-47 magazines, one Beretta pistol, 274 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition, 105 rounds of 6.55 live ammunition, nine rounds of .9mm ammunition, seven packets of Improvised Explosive Devices, one long detonating wire, and various types of charms.
“The recovery of these dangerous weapons and explosives is of utmost importance, as it not only neutralises an immediate threat to public safety but also highlights the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command in combating violent crimes within our communities.
The public is guaranteed that we will take all needed steps to catch everyone part of these criminal activities.
