Rivers State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) has arrested a notorious cult leader and armed robbery suspect, recovering an operational weapon during the operation.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the development on February 11, 2025.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Innocent Chigozie, is believed to be the leader of a gang responsible for terrorizing farmland along Uzo Afor Road in Okahia Community, Elele, Etche Local Government Area. The gang’s activities have reportedly caused widespread panic in the area.
Police operatives had previously engaged the gang in a gun battle last year but successfully drove them away.
Acting on coordinated intelligence, the operatives apprehended Chigozie at his hideout around 6:30 a.m. on January 30, 2025. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to owning the recovered exhibits.
The suspect and the recovered items are currently in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities are intensifying efforts to track down other fleeing gang members and recover additional weapons.
