Police arrest suspected cultists linked to murder of Rivers DPO

The police command in Rivers says its operatives have arrested two suspected cultists over the alleged murder of Bako Angbashim, a divisional police officer (DPO) in Ahoada, Ahoada east LGA of the state.

In September 2023, Angbashim, a superintendent of police, was killed when his team was ambushed while returning from an operation.

Days later, Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, placed N100 million bounty on Gift Okpara, a “serial kidnapper” otherwise known as 2Baba, and his gang for the murder of Angbashim.

In February 2024, Okpara was killed during a joint security operation in Rivers state.

A statement issued on Tuesday by Grace Iringe-Koko, Rivers police spokesperson, said Lovegod Goodluck, a resident of Ikata Community, was arrested on May 3 for being a suspected member of “2Baba’s Iceland cult group”.

Iringe-Koko said one locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges were recovered from Goodluck.

She said another police operation conducted in June 13 led to the arrest of Precious Olumini, a suspected member of the cult group, who had earlier escaped from the police.

“On May 3, 2025, Operatives of the command received credible information regarding the whereabouts of a notorious cultist known as Aka “K1,” a member of the late 2Baba Iceland cult group,” the statement reads.

“This group was linked to the murder of late SP Bako Angbashim, the then DPO of Ahoada Division.

“The Police Operatives swiftly stormed the suspect’s camp in Ikata Community, Ahoada East LGA, and arrested one Lovegod Goodluck, a male resident of Ikata Community. During the operation, one locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges were recovered from him.

“In a follow-up operation on the 13th. June, 2025, at about 1730hrs, Operatives made another breakthrough, arresting one Precious Olumini, a male suspect who had earlier escaped. An English made pump-action gun and a locally made pistol were recovered from him.

“During interrogation, suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Iceland cult group that has been terrorizing Ahoada-East axis of the State.

“Suspects and exhibits are in Police custody, investigation is currently in progress with efforts being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons.”