Police discover, exhume corpse of murdered Rivers DPO 6 months after

The Superintendent of Police was on September 8, 2023,  reportedly beheaded by a cult group, led by Gift David Okpara, popularly known as 2Baba, at Odiemude Community in Ahoada-East LGA of the state.

The gang leader, who was the prime suspect in the murder of the senior Police Officer was also killed by the police last month.

The Rivers State Police Command, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Wednesday, said it discovered Bako’s grave near a shrine, located inside 2Baba’s camp within the forested region of Odiemude Community.

“The Rivers State Police Command is pleased to announce significant advancements in the investigation into the tragic murder of SP Bako Angbashim, a former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division in Rivers State. The Command’s unwavering commitment to resolving this heinous crime and ensuring justice has yielded fruitful results,” the statement read.

“On Sunday, March 10, 2024, a coordinated joint operation was carried out by tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau. This operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, famously known as 2Baba, situated within the forested region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.

“During the operation, diligent search efforts led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim, were located and subsequently exhumed. Notably, the exhumed remains include the skull of the deceased.

“These recovered remains have been taken to the mortuary, where they will undergo scientific examination and genetic testing. These tests aim to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.

“Furthermore, ongoing efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of SP Bako Angbashim’s body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest.

“It is important to note that 2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for this heinous crime, met his demise on February 17, 2024, during a planned assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command. 2Baba died in Ebrass, Ahoada West Local Government Area, but unfortunately, his gang members managed to escape with his body.

“However, following an intensive seven-day search, aided by credible intelligence, Tubaba’s body was ultimately recovered from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.”

Olatunji Disu, the Commissioner of Police, has lauded the joint security team for their unwavering dedication and resolute commitment in the operation.

“The Command extends its gratitude to the community members for their invaluable support throughout the investigation process,” he said.

“The police will continue to prioritize the safety and security of all citizens, and they remain determined to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to uphold peace, security, and justice within the state. Regular updates on the progress of this investigation will be provided as developments unfold.”