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Rivers State Police Command has arrested 13 suspects over alleged involvement in phone theft, harassment of residents, and the assault of a journalist in a high-risk area of Port Harcourt.
The arrests stem from a reported attack on a journalist, Mr. Allwell Ene, who was allegedly beaten by suspected hoodlums while carrying out a solo investigative assignment in a location authorities have identified as a criminal hotspot.
The Command said the Commissioner of Police, Olugenga Adewole Adepoju, ordered swift action after the incident was reported, including inviting the journalist to provide a firsthand account as investigations were immediately launched.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Divisional Police Officer of the Olu-Obasanjo Division deployed operatives to the scene, leading to the journalist’s rescue.
“Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Olu-Obasanjo Division swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene to rescue the journalist,” the statement said.
The police added that coordinated operations were thereafter carried out within the Olu-Obasanjo axis and nearby areas, resulting in the arrest of the 13 suspects believed to be connected to criminal activities in the vicinity.
“The suspects are believed to be involved in various criminal activities, including phone theft and the harassment of law-abiding members of the public,” the statement added.
The Command noted that investigations are ongoing, with intensified efforts to track down other individuals linked to the crimes and ensure they face justice.
It also advised journalists and private investigators against conducting assignments alone in dangerous areas, encouraging them to work closely with security agencies.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while sustaining operations aimed at ridding the state of criminal elements.
Rivers police arrest 13 suspects over attack on investigative journalist
