Police Arrest 2 Suspected Cultists Linked To Murder Of DPO In Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested two suspected cultists linked to the murder of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in-charge of Ahoada Police Division, late Bako Angbashim, in 2023.

Angbashim, a Superintendent of Police, was gruesome murdered on September 8, 2023 by a cult group, led by one Gift Okpara, popularly known as ‘2 Baba’ at Oduemude community in Ahoada-East local government area of the State.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, gave the names of the two suspects as Lovegod Goodluck, a male and Precious Olumini, who had earlier escaped arrest.

Iringe-Koko stated that Goodluck and Olumini were arrested at different locations when policemen from the Octopus Tactical Unit of the Command went in search of the leader of the cult group, known as ‘K1’ at his camp in Ikata community in Ahoada-East LGA.

The statement said during interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Iceland cult group that has been terrorising Ahoada-East axis of the state.

It readsin part: “On May 3, 2025, Operatives of the command received credible information regarding the whereabouts of a notorious cultist known as Aka “K1,” a member of the late 2Baba Iceland cult group. This group was linked to the murder of late SP Bako Angbashim, the then DPO of Ahoada Division.

“The Police operatives swiftly stormed the suspect’s camp in Ikata Community, Ahoada East LGA, and arrested one Lovegod Goodluck, a male resident of Ikata Community. During the operation, one locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges were recovered from him.

“In a follow-up operation on the 13th. June, 2025, at about 1730hrs, operatives made another breakthrough, arresting one Precious Olumini, a male suspect who had earlier escaped. An English made pump-action gun and a locally made pistol were recovered from him.

“During interrogation, suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Iceland cult group that has been terrorizing Ahoada-East axis of the State.

“Suspects and exhibits are in Police custody, investigation is currently in progress with efforts being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons.”