The police in Rivers State have arrested Felix Nwaobakata, a vigilante commander, found with human skulls and other human remains at his hideout in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on vigilante groups in the state, which has also led to the detention of seven other members for crimes, including murder.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, issued a statement from Port Harcourt on Wednesday, July 3, detailing the events. Nwaobakata, the commander of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), is implicated in the murder of two brothers in Idu, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, on May 1, 2024. The brothers were accused of being kidnappers.
The police have received numerous complaints about OSPAC’s activities, particularly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. There have been reports of the group clashing with other security agencies and even attacking a police division in Omoku, which was repelled by the police.
In response to these incidents, the police launched a tactical operation, arresting several OSPAC members, including Cheta Benjamin, Joshua Ekwosa, and Innocent Ahiakwu. Nwaobakata was apprehended on June 17, 2024, in Omoku, where two human skulls and bones were discovered in his possession.
Nwaobakata is also a key suspect in the murders of Collins Ugorji (32) and Newman Ugorji (39), who were killed by OSPAC on May 1, 2024, under allegations of kidnapping. Their motorcycles were seized, and their bodies were taken to the OSPAC secretariat in Omoku.
Additionally, on May 3, 2024, a peaceful protest by youths from Egbeda Community in Emuoha LGA ended in tragedy when they were ambushed by OSPAC members led by Friday Ogbuji. The group shot and killed Youth Leader Innocent Didia.
The Rivers State Police Command, under Commissioner Olatunji Disu, has made further arrests and continues to investigate these cases. Disu has urged residents with complaints of assault, extortion, or illegal detention to report to the nearest police station. He emphasized that the police are committed to protecting lives and property and will not tolerate any form of illegality, excessive force, or criminal activities by OSPAC or any other vigilante group.