Vigilante leader, two others arrested for torturing man in Rivers

The leader of a vigilante group and two other persons have been arrested in Rivers State over the alleged torture and killing of a man in Okogbe Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area.

Those arrested were identified as the chairman of the vigilante group, simply known as Joshua, another member of the group, Friday Silas, and a motorcyclist, Obed Godlove. The suspects were apprehended on Sunday by youths of the community and a Joint Task Force team in Ukpeliede Community while allegedly attempting to dispose of the victim’s remains.

It was gathered that the suspects had on Saturday arrested the victim, identified as Ghadafi, after accusing him of stealing palm fruits in Okogbe Community.

The suspects allegedly tortured Ghadafi to death and were reportedly making efforts to dump his remains in a secluded area when security operatives intercepted them. It was further gathered that the victim’s hands and legs were still tied with ropes at the time the suspects were arrested.

When questioned by security operatives, Joshua reportedly claimed that the deceased had been terrorising the community and that they apprehended him with the intention of banishing him, adding that he died in the process.

Speaking on the incident, the Chief Security Officer of Ukpeliede Community, Mr. Osiga King, said the suspects were arrested following the vigilance of community youths who noticed suspicious movements and promptly alerted security agencies.

King narrated that, “Today we sighted a motorcycle carrying someone that seemed to be dead. He drove towards a community called Idu-Ekpeye. Upon tracing them, we discovered that they dropped a dead body in my community (Ukpeliede) and left. I contacted soldiers guarding a facility in my community, and we went to the point where they kept the corpse and took pictures.”

He added, “Immediately we left, the bike man came back with two other men, Joshua and Friday Silas, to transfer the corpse to another corner. My men and I ran after them and stopped them on the road. The suspects later led us to where they transferred the corpse. Three persons were arrested, and they confessed that they killed the young man known as Ghadafi by torture.”

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said the deceased had been linked to previous criminal allegations, adding that investigations were ongoing. “The suspect was involved in various cases of stealing and also attempted to rape an NYSC member in 2023. He was assaulted by community youths, which led to his death. Meanwhile, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, and investigations are ongoing,” she said.