The Rivers State Police Command has clarified reports attempting to link ACP London Irikefe, Commander 56 PMF, to the arrest and prosecution of four suspects over an alleged illegal detention facility in Rivers State.

The Command stated that ACP London Irikefe was not involved in the arrest or prosecution of the suspects, stressing that the Police operation was initiated following a formal complaint of an alleged abduction and subsequent findings by Police operatives.

HOW THE OPERATION STARTED

According to the Command, on 17 August 2026, at about 1830hrs, Gift Benjamin Odogbo of Rumualuu Community reported that her mother, Kate Odogbo, had allegedly been abducted by unknown gunmen on August 12.

After four days of searching, she reportedly discovered that her mother was being held at a detention facility allegedly owned by Gabriel Asa Abuja, who was described by the suspects as their leader and a member of the Nigeria Forest Guard.

Following the report, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU-AKU) were immediately deployed to the location.

Police operatives reportedly found the alleged victim inside a cell and successfully rescued her.

FOUR SUSPECTS ARRESTED

Four suspects were arrested during the operation:

Darlington Ogulo, 47

Eze Woke Solomon, 25

Wali Perfect, 24

Augustine Charles, 25

The Command said the operation also led to the recovery of one pump-action firearm and one locally fabricated long gun.

Police further discovered that the major access road leading to the facility had allegedly been blocked with sandbags.

POLICE RAISE CONCERNS OVER PRIVATE DETENTION FACILITY

Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed allegations bordering on illegal possession of firearms, intimidation, unlawful detention and the establishment of a security outfit without the required licence or authorisation.

The suspects were reportedly unable to produce documentation establishing their claimed affiliation with the security outfit.

The Police Command emphasized that private security outfits or individuals are not authorised to establish detention facilities in a manner that assumes or purports to exercise Police powers.

The Command also warned against the unauthorised use of Police colours, markings, insignia or other identifying features on buildings or structures in a manner capable of misleading members of the public into believing that such facilities are official Police establishments.

SUSPECTS CHARGED TO COURT

The four suspects were subsequently charged to court on 21 August 2026.

The Rivers State Police Command therefore urged members of the public to disregard narratives linking ACP London Irikefe to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.

The Command maintained that the operation was based on the complaint received, findings at the scene and the need to rescue and protect the alleged victim.

POLICE WARNS AGAINST FALSE REPORTS

The Command also cautioned bloggers, social media influencers, content creators and members of the public against circulating false, misleading or defamatory information capable of causing public mischief, damaging reputations or undermining investigations.

The Police advised the public to verify sensitive information through credible and official sources before publishing or sharing it online.

The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professional policing, protection of lives and property, respect for human rights, transparency, accountability and impartial enforcement of the law.