The Rivers State Police Command says it has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of recent robbery incidents at the Dr. Obi-Wali International Cultural Centre and the Tottinno Filling Station in Port Harcourt.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, five additional suspects were arrested in separate operations carried out in Diobu and Ikoku areas of the state between Nov. 25 and Nov. 28, 2025.
The arrests bring the total number of suspects currently in police custody to nine, following sustained intelligence-led operations by operatives of the command.
Those arrested were identified as Victor Ukabi, 41, from Nkpa in Bende Local Government Area of Abia; Basil Nwagazie, 65, from Eziebodo in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo; and Nkechinyere Wokem, 30, a Point-of-Sale operator from Ubuohia Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo.
Others include Obinna Nwankwo, 44, from Umu-Erim in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers, and Igwe Amabi Eze, 51, from Osuofio in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra, identified as the receiver of stolen items.
The police recalled that the suspected leader of the gang, Bright Nwabueze, also known as “Bishop,” aged 53, had earlier been arrested at the Rumuokoro flyover.
It was stated that two rifles were recovered from his vehicle at the time of his arrest.
Further investigations led to the recovery of additional exhibits, including a 30KVA generator traced to a buyer in Onitsha and recovered on Dec. 12, 2025.
Inverter batteries were also recovered from the shop of one of the suspected receivers at Ikoku, while two rifles allegedly used in the commission of the crimes were secured by the police.
The command described the recoveries as a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into the robbery incidents.
It added that all suspects and exhibits were currently in police custody, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The police assured that those involved would be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and dedication during the investigation.
Adepoju also urged residents of the state to continue to support the police with timely and credible information to enhance crime-fighting efforts across the state.
