A group of 12 individuals suspected of being involved in internet fraud were apprehended in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The arrest was made in connection with an incident where a newborn baby was allegedly buried alive at the Andoni waterfront in the Eagle Island area of the state.
The suspects were taken into custody by the Port Harcourt Local Government Authority Area Security Watch, in collaboration with the Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch and the police on August 23, 2023.
Victor Ohaji, who serves as the Chairman of the PLGA Security Watch and the Chief Security Officer of Eagle Island, provided details of the incident. He reported that after receiving information, he notified the Azikiwe Police Division in Diobi, Port Harcourt, and officials from the state neighborhood agency.
The vigilante team received credible information from residents who witnessed a group of boys engaged in incantations and digging at the waterfront. Although the suspects had left by the time the vigilantes arrived, a closer examination revealed that they had buried something in the area. Upon digging, they discovered the lifeless body of a newborn baby boy.
Subsequently, Ohaji and his team, along with the police and neighborhood watch, located the suspects leaving a hotel. A pursuit ensued, resulting in the apprehension of all 12 suspects. They were then handed over to the police.
During the arrest, the leader of the group reportedly boasted that his father, a Major General, would protect them and claimed that nothing would happen to them.
Ohaji called upon the Rivers State Government to support their efforts by providing vehicles and logistical assistance. He emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace in the region.
Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state Police Command, confirmed the incident and stated that an ongoing investigation was being conducted by the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department.
