In a concerted effort to address the unlawful activities of the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), the Rivers State Police Command has apprehended over eight members of the vigilante group, including their leader, Felix Nwaobakata, who was found with two human skulls and other bones in his possession.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, announced the arrests in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday. The crackdown followed numerous public complaints about OSPAC’s operations, particularly in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).
The catalyst for the police action was a report from Alhaji Usman Seleh, Chairman of the Hausa Indigenous Group in ONELGA, who informed the authorities that a member of his community had been abducted by OSPAC. Despite multiple police invitations, OSPAC leaders refused to cooperate and even attempted to attack the Omoku police station. However, the police successfully repelled the attack.
Subsequently, tactical units raided the OSPAC camp in Omoku, arresting members Cheta Benjamin, Joshua Ekwosa, Innocent Ahiakwu, and four others. The leader, Felix Nwaobakata, was captured in his hideout on June 17th, 2024, with incriminating evidence including human skulls and bones.
Nwaobakata is also a key suspect in the murder of two brothers, Collins Ugorji (32) and Newman Ugorji (39), from the Idu Community in ONELGA. The brothers were allegedly killed by OSPAC on May 1st, 2024, on accusations of being kidnappers. Their bodies, handed over to Nwaobakata, have not been recovered, and investigations continue.
In another incident, OSPAC members in Egbeda Community, Emohua LGA, ambushed and killed Innocent Didia, the Youth Leader, following a peaceful protest on May 31st, 2024. This act of violence further highlighted the rogue behavior of some vigilante members.
Iringe-Koko emphasized that the Rivers State Police Command will not tolerate any form of illegality, excessive force, or criminality by OSPAC or any other vigilante group. She assured the public of ongoing investigations and subsequent prosecutions.
“The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, urges residents to report any cases of assault, extortion, or illegal detention to the nearest police station. The Command is dedicated to protecting lives and property and will engage vigilante groups to ensure they operate within the law,” Iringe-Koko stated.
The Police Command reiterated the importance of respecting the constitutional rights of all individuals and pledged continued efforts to maintain law and order in the state.
