Rivers CP Urges Residents to be Wary of Online Scams, Connections
3 min read
Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has strongly advised everyone, particularly the youths, to exercise caution when making friends online.
Disu also expressed the need for residents to prioritize personal safety by meeting new individuals in safe and public places, even as he stressed that it is crucial for individuals to inform their relatives and friends about their movements for safety purposes.
The CP stated this shortly after the command apprehended an alleged notorious gang of serial rapists who targeted victims through online platforms.
The suspects, Louise Brutolu and Jenifer Timi, both from Rivers and Delta states respectively, were arrested following a thorough investigation into a series of heinous crimes.
This, for the command is a major breakthrough in her efforts to combat crimes against individuals perpetrated through online platforms.
In a release made available to newsmen by the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, the command announced that it had made “a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat crimes against individuals perpetrated through online platforms, following a reported abduction case involving Agor Ogechi ‘F,’ a 28-year-old resident of Elele in Ikwerre LGA, on July 1, 2023, the police swiftly intervened and have successfully apprehended the prime suspect involved in a series of heinous crimes.
“Investigations revealed that the suspect, identified as Louise Brutolu ‘M,’ a 32-year-old resident of Igoni Street, Abuloma, employed the use of phone chat to lure his victims to the Pacific Suite Hotel, Abuloma. Upon booking a room, the suspect drugged the victims, rendering them unconscious, and subsequently stole their valuables. In the case of Agor Ogechi, her iPhone, a sum of twenty-eight thousand Naira, and her ATM card were reported stolen.
“Acting on the victim’s complaint, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit promptly initiated an operation that culminated in the arrest of Louise Brutolu. During the arrest, the substance used to drug the victims was successfully retrieved. The suspect has claimed to work for an unidentified master and has pledged cooperation in capturing the gang leader.
“After months of persistent investigation, the Rivers State Police Command successfully apprehended the gang leader, whose identity is being withheld for investigative purposes. As a result of this arrest, various items belonging to different victims were recovered, including twenty-one mobile phones, three female bags, and receipt booklets.
“It is noteworthy that the gang leader had previously been arrested in 2021 for similar offenses and was charged in court. The recurrence of such heinous crimes underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in tackling the menace of online criminal activities.”
It added that “In a related development, the Rivers State Police Command has also arrested Jenifer Timi ‘M,’ a 28-year-old native of Burutu in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State. The suspect specialized in luring individuals through social media platforms such as Instagram, Tinder, and Badoo.
“Notably, the suspect targeted not only women but also Bolt and Uber drivers. By exploiting their expensive phones displayed online, the suspect invited victims to hotel rooms where they were offered drinks laced with Tramadol, subsequently subjected to rape, and robbed of their belongings.
“Jemifor Timi Collins has been engaging in these criminal activities for over three years and has been arrested and charged to court on two previous occasions. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details and bring all responsible individuals to justice.”
Disu further reaffirmed that “the Police remain committed to providing protection and raising awareness about emerging crimes and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents.”
