The Rivers State Police Command has arrested Felix Nwaobakata, the commander of a local vigilante group, for possession of two human skulls and other body parts at his hideout in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko disclosed that Nwaobakata, leader of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), is also a key suspect in the May 1, 2024 murder of two brothers in Idu, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni LGA, who were accused of being kidnappers.
The arrest comes amid a broader crackdown on vigilante groups in the state, following numerous complaints about their operations, particularly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. The police have detained seven additional OSPAC members for various crimes, including murder.
Iringe-Koko reported that on May 9, 2024, Alhaji Usman Seleh, chairman of the Hausa Indigenous Group in ONELGA, reported the abduction of a member by OSPAC. When Nwaobakata ignored multiple police invitations, OSPAC allegedly launched an unsuccessful attack on the Omoku police division.
Subsequently, police tactical units raided the OSPAC camp in Omoku, arresting Cheta Benjamin, Joshua Ekwosa, Innocent Ahiakwu, and four others. Nwaobakata was later captured on June 17, 2024, with human remains in his possession.
Additionally, OSPAC is implicated in the May 3, 2024 killing of Youth Leader Innocent Didia during a protest in Egbeda Community, Emuoha LGA.
The Rivers State Police Command, led by Commissioner Olatunji Disu, is dedicated to eradicating criminality and illegal actions by vigilante groups. Disu urged residents to report any instances of assault, extortion, or illegal detention to the nearest police station, while emphasizing the importance of responsible community policing.
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