Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Rivers State Police Command has detained three individuals, including two members of a community vigilante group and a commercial motorcyclist, over the alleged killing of a man accused of theft in Okogbe community, Ahoada-West Local Government Area.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspects — identified as Joshua, Friday Silas and Godlove Obed — were apprehended following a joint operation involving local youths and members of the Joint Task Force. The arrests were made in Ukpeliede community, also within Ahoada-West LGA, where the trio was reportedly intercepted while attempting to dispose of the victim’s body.
According to preliminary police findings, the deceased, identified as Gaddafi, was accused by community members of stealing palm fruits. He was allegedly seized by members of the vigilante group and subjected to torture that resulted in his death. The incident has raised renewed concerns about extrajudicial punishments and the conduct of local security outfits operating alongside formal law enforcement agencies.
Joshua, who is reportedly the vice chairman of the Okogbe community vigilante group, told investigators during interrogation that the deceased had long been regarded as a security threat within the area. He claimed that Gaddafi had been apprehended with the intention of expelling him from the community, but died in the course of the confrontation.
The Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. She noted that the deceased had allegedly been linked to previous theft-related incidents and was also accused of attempting to assault a member of the National Youth Service Corps in 2023. However, she emphasized that such allegations do not justify mob action or unlawful killing.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations. She reiterated the command’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and warned against acts of jungle justice.
Community sources indicated that tensions had been building in the area over repeated reports of theft of agricultural produce, particularly palm fruits, which constitute a significant source of livelihood for residents. Local vigilante groups, often formed to supplement overstretched security agencies, have become common across parts of Rivers State and the Niger Delta. However, rights advocates have repeatedly warned that the absence of clear oversight mechanisms can lead to abuses.
Legal analysts note that under Nigerian law, vigilante groups have no authority to carry out corporal punishment or impose capital sanctions. Any suspect apprehended must be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution. Acts resulting in death can attract charges ranging from manslaughter to murder, depending on prosecutorial findings.
The incident in Ahoada-West comes amid broader national conversations about community policing, accountability, and the dangers of mob justice. Civil society organizations have consistently urged authorities to strengthen supervision of community-based security structures to prevent excesses.
Residents of Okogbe and neighboring communities have been advised to remain calm as investigations continue. Police officials have also appealed for cooperation from witnesses and community members who may have relevant information.
As inquiries proceed, the case is expected to test the balance between community self-help security measures and adherence to constitutional safeguards in criminal justice processes. Authorities say updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
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