The Rivers State Police Command has successfully arrested a 46-year-old man, Abi Baragon, in connection with a viral assault case that sparked public outrage after surfacing on social media earlier this year. The incident, captured on June 20, 2025, showed a distraught lady crying out for help after being brutally attacked by a man who allegedly fled the scene.

Swift Police Action

Following the viral spread of the disturbing video, operatives attached to the Human Rights Department, State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, immediately launched a comprehensive investigation. Through intelligence-led policing and technical tracking, the suspect was apprehended on October 13, 2025.

Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect allegedly attacked the victim after she rejected his marriage proposal, having discovered that he was already married with four children - a claim he later denied.

During interrogation, Abi Baragon voluntarily confessed to assaulting the victim, admitting that he used bottles and stabbed her during the altercation.

Victim’s Recovery and Ongoing Investigation

The victim is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital, while the suspect remains in Police custody.

Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to unravel the complete circumstances surrounding the assault and ensure justice is served.

CP Adepoju Warns Criminals: “There Is No Hiding Place for the Wicked”

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, commended the swift efforts of the operatives in tracking and arresting the suspect. He also appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and for providing credible information that aided the investigation.

“This Command remains committed to justice and to protecting the rights and dignity of all residents. Let it be known that if you commit a crime and run away, the Police will find you. There is no hiding place for the wicked,”

— CP Olugbenga Adepoju stated.

The CP reaffirmed that the Rivers State Police Command will continue to pursue offenders with diligence and uphold zero tolerance for gender-based violence and assault.

Public Advisory

The Police urge residents to report any gender-based violence, assault, or suspicious activities to the nearest Police Station or official communication channels. Collective vigilance, CP Adepoju noted, is key to building a safer and more just Rivers State.

Read the official press statement below:

RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE:

Assault Occasioning Harm, Suspect Arrested.

There was a viral video on various social media platforms, captured on June 20, 2025, where a lady cried out of an incident, depicting that a man allegedly assaulted her and fled, which has been a subject of intense investigation by Operatives of the Command.

Upon receipt of the distressing report, Operatives attached to the Human Rights Department, State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port-Harcourt, swiftly swung into action, leveraging intelligence-led Policing and technical support and apprehended the suspect, one Abi Baragon, a 46-year-old male on October 13, 2025 in connection with the crime.

It was alleged that the suspect's motive for the assault stems from the victim's rejection of his marriage overtures, prompted by her discovery that the suspect was already married with four children, an allegation he denied.

During further interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed that he used bottles and stabbed the victim.

The suspect is currently in Police custody, while the victim is receiving Medical treatment in the Hospital, and an in-depth investigation has been launched to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju psc, mnips, commends the efforts of the Operatives in apprehending the suspect and appreciates the public's support and cooperation in sharing credible information that led to the suspect's arrest. 

The Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to justice and warns perpetrators of crime that there is no hiding place for the wicked. If anyone commit a crime and run away, the Police will catch up on you. The suspect will face prosecution upon conclusion of a discreet investigation.

SP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO, ANIPR,

Police Public Relations Officer,

Rivers State Police Command.

17/10/2025