The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed an online publication alleging misconduct and linking the Commander of 56 PMF, ACP London Irikefe, to the arrest and prosecution of four men allegedly working for human rights activist and freedom fighter, General Gabriel Asa Abuja.
In a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the police said Irikefe was not involved in the arrest or prosecution. The Command said the operation followed a formal complaint of the alleged abduction of Kate Odogbo, who was reportedly found inside a detention facility allegedly owned by Asa Abuja after her daughter, Gift Benjamin Odogbo, reported the matter on August 17.
According to the police, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit rescued the woman and arrested Darlington Ogulo, Eze Woke Solomon, Wali Perfect and Augustine Charles. One pump-action firearm and one locally fabricated long gun were reportedly recovered, while the facility’s access road was allegedly blocked with sandbags. The suspects were subsequently charged to court on August 21 over allegations including illegal possession of firearms, intimidation, unlawful detention and operating a security outfit without requisite authorisation.
The Command urged the public to disregard reports linking ACP Irikefe to the case, insisting that no private security outfit or individual is authorised to operate a detention facility in a manner that assumes police powers or uses police colours and insignia capable of misleading the public.
However, a separate legal development has raised questions around the police action. A Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice Lemea Ngbor-Abina, had reportedly issued a perpetual injunction in a fundamental rights suit filed by General Gabriel Asa Abuja against the Nigeria Police, restraining the police from arresting or detaining him and his associates.
