Rivers State Police Command said it has tracked suspected killers of one Hope George will, a popular fashion designer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
In a statement by the spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that the suspects were traced to their hideout in a creek off the Bonny Waterway.
It would be recalled that Georgewill was abducted alongside two others on March 26, 2025, along the Cotton Channel, Bakana River, by a gang of notorious sea pirates allegedly led by one Preye Ngian-Ngian, a native of Degema Local Government Area, of the State.
THISDAY gathered that despite a ransom payment of N2,000,000 made to the kidnappers, the body of the deceased was later recovered and deposited at the morgue.
Following investigative efforts and intelligence led policing, Iringe-Koko disclosed that “on April 3, 2025, at about 7:30am, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua, in collaboration with intelligence gathered from two earlier arrested suspects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, launched a tactical operation on the kidnappers’ hideout located in a creek off the Bonny Waterway.
“Upon arrival at the hideout, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from the hoodlums. The team responded with decisive force, and in the ensuing exchange, two of the suspects were fatally wounded, while others fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries.”
She said the two initial suspects who led the team to the location attempted to escape during the ‘melee’ but were later apprehended with gunshot wounds.
The police spokesperson also revealed that during a continued combing of the creek, one operational speedboat, one 80-horse-power and one 70-horse-power outboard engine, the deceased’s mobile phone (SIM card removed), one live cartridge and food supplies used by the kidnappers were recovered from the kidnappers den.
Iringe-Koko further revealed that “All four wounded suspects were immediately transported to the Police Clinic for emergency treatment.
However, upon arrival, the attending medical officer confirmed them dead on arrival. Their remains have since been deposited for autopsy.”
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has commended the men of the command , saying that the development marks a significant breakthrough in the continued effort to rid our waterways and communities of criminal elements.
Adepoju stated that the Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors to the state. He added that investigations are ongoing, assured that the public will be updated with any new developments.
Blessing Ibunge
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