Police nab 50 suspected criminals in Rivers

The police in Rivers State have arrested 50 suspected hoodlums in connection with various crimes ranging from assassination, kidnapping to cultism in the last one month.

Francis Odesanya, the state commissioner of police disclosed this while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.

He said that 30 kidnapped persons were rescued from hoodlums within the period under review, between September 27 and October 12.

According to him, out of the number of suspects arrested, 20 are for alleged cult activities and 30 for kidnapping and killing.

Odesanya said that out of the number of suspected kidnappers, four allegedly murdered the late Ken Asuewete, a human right lawyer.

Among the four, a father and son were suspected to have practically killed the late Asuewete.

The police boss added that nine suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded as well as five suspected cultists.

According to the commissioner, 10 armed robbery attempts were foiled within the period.

Odesanya said among the items recovered were 20 firearms and 229 assorted ammunition, 15 vehicles, four magazines and exhibits such as human skull and other human parts, undisclosed amount of money among others.

He commended officers and men of the command who carried the battle to the criminals, noting that the most notorious kidnapper and cultist popularly called Shima Rambo was killed in shoot out with other criminals.

He also warned that police personnel who embarked on illegal duties would be arrested and given orderly room trial, a development, he noted could culminate in dismissal or suspension from duty.