Police in Rivers State have apprehended Felix Nwaobakata, commander of a local vigilante group, with two human skulls and other body parts at his hideout in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
This arrest comes amid escalating concerns over the group’s activities, including allegations of murder.
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The Rivers State Police Command disclosed that Nwaobakata, leader of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), was captured following reports linking him to the murder of two brothers in Idu on May 1, 2024.
Allegedly, OSPAC accused the brothers of being kidnappers, confiscated their motorcycles, and purportedly presented their bodies at their Omoku headquarters.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko emphasized ongoing complaints against OSPAC, particularly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. The group allegedly clashed with law enforcement, including an attack on an Omoku police division after Nwaobakata refused multiple police summons.
In a recent incident on May 9, 2024, Alhaji Usman Seleh of the Hausa Indigenous Group in ONELGA reported an OSPAC abduction to the police, triggering further scrutiny. Subsequently, tactical units raided OSPAC’s Omoku camp, arresting several members including Cheta Benjamin, Joshua Ekwosa, and Innocent Ahiakwu.
The arrest of Nwaobakata on June 17, 2024, at his Omoku hideout uncovered two human skulls and bones. Police noted his involvement in various alleged crimes, underscoring the escalating tensions surrounding OSPAC’s operations.
Additionally, the police cited a prior incident on May 3, 2024, when Egbeda Community youths were ambushed by OSPAC members led by Commander Friday Ogbuji. This resulted in the fatal shooting of youth leader Innocent Didia, further intensifying public outcry.
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Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, affirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring public safety while warning against illegal activities by vigilante groups. He stressed the importance of community policing but emphasized the need for vigilante groups to operate within the confines of the law.
“The Rivers State Police Command is resolute in its duty to safeguard lives and property,” stated Disu. “We acknowledge the role of vigilante groups in community safety but will not tolerate criminal acts or excessive force.”
