04/06/2026
PRESS RELEASE
RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND
RIVERS POLICE BUST SUSPECTED MURDER SYNDICATE, EXHUME VICTIM AND RECOVER STOLEN VEHICLE
In line with the proactive crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, aimed at combating violent crimes and strengthening public safety across the State, in line with the directives of the IGP olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC(+) NPM. the Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a case involving alleged murder and robbery, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of a stolen vehicle.
The incident was reported on 22nd May 2026 following the disappearance of one Mr. Christopher Emmanuel Akpabio, male, 55 years, a native of Akwa Ibom State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased was hired at Garrison Park, Port Harcourt, by the suspects under the guise of transporting them to Asarama Community in Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony, unknown to him that they had a sinister mission to murder him and dispossess him of his vehicle, a black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA.
Further investigation later led to the shocking discovery of the victim’s remains buried in a shallow grave at Asarama community in Andoni Local Government Area in Rivers State.
The arrested suspects involved in the murder case are:
* David Mark, male, 30 years, native of Andoni Local Government Area;
* Nkajit Williams, male, 45 years, native of Andoni Local Government Area; and
* Godgift John, male, 33 years, native of Okrika Local Government Area.
Acting on the operational directives of the Commissioner of Police, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Diobu, immediately launched a painstaking intelligence-driven investigation which culminated in the arrest of the three suspects on 28th May 2026.
During the operation, the stolen black Daihatsu Hijet minibus with registration number BGM 328 DA was successfully recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for preservation and further examination.
Investigation is still ongoing, and concerted efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fourth suspect who is currently at large.
The Rivers State Police Command hereby urges members of the public to exercise caution when entering transportation or business arrangements with unfamiliar persons, especially for long-distance or late-night trips. Commercial drivers are strongly advised to always inform family members, colleagues, or trusted associates before embarking on such journeys.
Residents are also encouraged to promptly report suspicious persons, movements, or activities to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines.
The Command reassures the good people of Rivers State of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within the State.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Complaint Response Unit (CRU):
07057605209
07057605256
08120822987
07072323049
Control Room:
08032003514
ASP AGABE BLESSING KABORLO
Police Public Relations Officer
Rivers State Police Command.
