The Rivers State Police Command on Wednesday paraded Felix Nwaobakata, Commander of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), among others, who were arrested with human remains.
Nwaobakata was apprehended on June 17, 2023, in his Omoku hideout. Police recovered two human skulls and other bones in his possession.
The arrest followed numerous complaints about OSPAC’s operations, particularly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA), and its clashes with other security agencies.
According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State command, Alhaji Usman Seleh, Chairman of the Hausa Indigenous Group in ONELGA, reported on May 9, 2024, that OSPAC had abducted a group member.
“He reported the matter to the Police. Consequently, the Police invited Nwaobakata, who ignored several invitations,” Iringe-Koko said. “Instead, OSPAC coordinated an attack on the Omoku Police Division, but the attack was thwarted.”
Following this, police tactical units stormed the OSPAC camp in Omoku, arresting Cheta Benjamin, Joshua Ekwosa, Innocent Ahiakwu, and four others.
Nwaobakata, arrested on June 17, 2023, was found with two human skulls and bones. He is a prime suspect in the murders of Collins Ugorji (32) and Newman Ugorji (39) from Idu Community in ONELGA.
The brothers were killed by OSPAC on May 1, 2024, on allegations of kidnapping. Their motorcycles were confiscated, and their bodies taken to the OSPAC Secretariat in Omoku, received by Nwaobakata. The bodies have not been found, and the investigation is ongoing.
In a related incident, on May 31, 2024, Egbeda Community youths in Emuoha LGA staged a peaceful protest at Lubrik Construction Company (LCC) in Egbeda.
After being addressed by the Police, they dispersed but were ambushed by OSPAC members led by Egbeda OSPAC Commander Friday Ogbuji, who shot and killed Youth Leader Innocent Didia.
PPRO Iringe-Koko stated that the Rivers State Police Command has made further arrests and will continue to investigate these and other related cases, which will be charged in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Commissioner of Police CP Olatunji Disu advised residents to report any assault, extortion, or illegal detention to the nearest police station.
The Rivers State Command is committed to protecting lives and property and will not tolerate any illegality, excessive force, torture, or criminality by OSPAC or any other vigilante group.
“While recognizing the relevance of these vigilante groups in community policing, the Command will engage and synergize with them, emphasizing their limitations and the need to respect constitutional rights,”
Disu said, “The Command reassures the public and key stakeholders of its commitment to operating within the law and warns against any unlawful activities.”
,){kind=link}