Rivers Vigilante Leader and Accomplices Arrested for Torture Death in Ahoada West
The Rivers State Police Command has made a significant arrest, detaining three individuals, including the head of a local vigilante group, for their alleged involvement in the torture and subsequent death of a man in the Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. This incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about vigilante justice in the region.
Community Interception Leads to Arrest
According to reports, the suspects were apprehended last Sunday, February 8, 2026, while attempting to dispose of the lifeless body of the victim, identified as Ghadafi, who was accused of theft. Community youths and a Joint Task Force in Ukpeliede Community intercepted the group during this grim activity, preventing further concealment of the crime.
Those arrested include the Chairman of the vigilante outfit, simply known as Joshua, his colleague, Friday Silas, and a motorcycle rider named Obed Godlove. Disturbing pictures and videos from the scene show the victim naked, with his hands and legs bound by ropes, highlighting the brutality of the alleged torture.
Detailed Account from Community Security Officer
In an interview on Monday, February 9, Mr. Osiga King, the Chief Security Officer of Ukpeliede Community, provided a detailed narrative of the arrest. He explained that due to recent invasions by criminal elements in communities like Idu Ekpeye, heightened vigilance was maintained. At approximately 1:30 PM on February 8, they observed a motorcycle carrying what appeared to be a dead body heading towards Idu Ekpeye.
Upon investigation, King and his team discovered the body had been dropped in Ukpeliede. They documented the scene with photographs before alerting soldiers stationed nearby. Shortly after, the motorcycle rider returned with Joshua and Silas to move the corpse to another location. King and his men pursued and stopped them on the road to Okogbe community, subsequently contacting security agencies, including the DSS director in Akinima and the Divisional Police Officer.
Confession and Motive Revealed
The suspects led authorities to the new location of the body and confessed to killing Ghadafi through torture. They claimed the deceased had been involved in stealing, such as palm fruits and a Youth Corps member's phone the previous year, and had been terrorizing the community. Despite reporting these incidents to the DPO and Area Command, they alleged that Ghadafi continued his activities, prompting their extreme actions.
Police Confirmation and Ongoing Investigation
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe Koko, confirmed the incident. She stated that the victim was involved in various theft cases and was assaulted by community youths, leading to his death. Koko emphasized that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the case, and investigations are actively ongoing to ensure justice is served.
This case underscores the dangers of extrajudicial measures and the importance of proper legal channels in addressing crime, as vigilante actions can escalate into tragic outcomes like this one in Rivers State.
