Edith CHUKU
Following his alleged involvement in the robbery incidents at the Dr. Obi-Wali Cultural Center and Tottinno Filling Station, both in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, 65 years old Mr Basil Nwagazie has been arrested.
The suspect, from Eziebodo in Owerri West LGA of Imo State, was arrested along side four other suspects; 41 years old Victor Ukabi, from Nkpa in Bende LGA of Abia State and 30 years old POS operator, Miss Nkechinyere Wokem, from Ubuohia Mbaise LGA of Imo State.
The other two suspects are 51 years old Mr Igwe Amabi Eze, from Osuofio in Aguota LGA of Anambra State, who supposedly received the stolen items and 44 years old Mr Obinna Nwankwo, from Umu-Erim in Umuaji Uloke, Omuma LGA of Rivers State.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Irinke-Koko, revealed this development in a statement on Monday.
According to her, “the Rivers State Police Command is delighted to announce a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the robbery incidents that occurred at the Dr. Obi Wali International Cultural Center and Tottinno Filling Station.
“The command’s relentless pursuit of justice has yielded remarkable results, with the arrest of five additional suspects separately in different locations, including Diobu and Ikoku axis in Port Harcourt on 25/11/2025, 26/11/2025 and 28/11/2025 respectively, bringing the total number in custody to nine and recovery of exhibits.
“The recent arrests are demonstration of the unwavering commitment of our operatives, who have worked tirelessly through intelligence led policing to bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Irinke-Koko recalled that, “the gang’s leader, Bright Nwabueze a.k.a Bishop ‘m’, aged 53yrs, was intercepted and arrested at the Rumuokoro flyover with the two rifles found in his car.
“The recovered exhibits include 30KVA generator, recovered from the buyer in Onitsha on December 12, 2025, Inverter batteries, recovered from one of the receiver’s shop at Ikoku and two rifles.
“These recoveries are a significant milestone in our ongoing investigation. The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in Police custody, and in-depth investigations are ongoing to apprehend and bring all the perpetrators of this heinous crime to face the full wrath of the law.”
Further, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended what he described as the bravery and dedication of the operatives involved in the investigation.
He urged residents to maintain trust in ongoing police operations and support the command with credible information that can enhance the swift and collective fight against crime in all its manifestations.
