The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its investigation into the robbery incidents at the Dr. Obi-Wali International Cultural Centre and Tottinno Filling Station, with the arrest of five additional suspects and the recovery of key exhibits.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the suspects were arrested separately at different locations within the Diobu and Ikoku areas of Port Harcourt between November 25 and 28, 2025, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.
Those arrested are Victor Ukabi (41) from Nkpa, Bende Local Government Area of Abia State; Basil Nwagazie (65) from Eziebodo, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State; Nkechinyere Wokem (30), a Point-of-Sale operator from Ubuohia Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State; Obinna Nwankwo (44) from Umu-Erim, Umuaji Uloke in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State; and Igwe Amabi Eze (51) from Osuofio, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, identified as a receiver of stolen items.
Police recalled that the alleged leader of the robbery gang, Bright Nwabueze, also known as “Bishop,” aged 53, was earlier intercepted and arrested at the Rumuokoro flyover, where two rifles were recovered from his vehicle.
Exhibits recovered in the course of the investigation include a 30KVA generator recovered from a buyer in Onitsha on December 12, 2025; inverter batteries recovered from a receiver’s shop at Ikoku; and two rifles.
The Police Command said the arrests and recoveries were achieved through sustained, intelligence-driven operations, describing them as a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation.
All suspects and recovered items are currently in police custody, while further investigations continue to track down other members of the syndicate.
Commending the operatives involved, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, urged residents to remain calm, maintain confidence in police operations, and continue to provide credible information to support the fight against crime in the state.
