Three persons, including the head of a local vigilante group, have been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command for allegedly torturing a man, identified as Ghadafi, to death in Ahoada West Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the suspects were attempting to dump Ghadafi’s lifeless body, accusing him of stealing palm fruits, when security operatives and community youths intercepted them.
The arrested suspects were identified as the vigilante chairman, Joshua, his colleague Friday Silas, and a motorcyclist, Obed Godlove. Eyewitnesses said the victim’s hands and legs were tied with ropes, and he was found naked.
Chief Security Officer of Ukpeliede Community, Mr Osiga King, told reporters that the trio was caught during their attempt to move the corpse to another location.
King said, “On February 8, 2026, at about 1:30pm, we spotted a motorcycle carrying someone who appeared dead. They dropped the body in my community, and we traced them while informing soldiers and the DSS. We arrested three persons who confessed to killing Ghadafi by torture.”
The security officer added that the suspects claimed the deceased had been involved in stealing palm fruits and even a Youth Corps member’s phone last year, terrorising the community despite previous reports to the police.
When contacted, the Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests, stating that investigations are ongoing.
She said, “The suspect was involved in various cases of stealing. He was assaulted by community youths, which led to his death. Three suspects have been arrested, and investigations continue.”