The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three men, including the leader of a local vigilante group, over the alleged torture and killing of a man identified as Ghadafi in Ahoada West Local Government Area.
The arrests came after heightened community surveillance following residents’ complaints about recurring theft and insecurity in parts of Ahoada West. Local security operatives and youths intensified monitoring of the area amid reports of criminal activities affecting neighboring communities.
The incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, 2026, when the suspects were intercepted while reportedly attempting to dispose of the victim’s body.
Those arrested include Joshua, the chairman of the vigilante group; Friday Silas, another member; and a commercial motorcycle rider, Obed Godlove. The deceased, Ghadafi, was accused by the suspects of repeated thefts, including stealing palm fruits within the community.
Explaining the arrests, the Chief Security Officer of Ukpeliede Community, Osiga King, said community guards noticed a motorcycle carrying a body around 1:30 p.m. The riders reportedly left the body in the community before returning with two other men in an attempt to move it to another location.
The suspects were chased and intercepted while heading towards Okogbe community, where they allegedly admitted to torturing the victim to death.
Confirming the incident, Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko said investigations were ongoing. She added that the deceased was suspected to have been involved in multiple thefts and was assaulted by community youths, leading to his death.
The police warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that suspects should be reported to the authorities rather than subjected to mob action or extrajudicial punishment.
The command assured the public that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in the state.
