The Bayelsa State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division, Rivers State, Superintendent Bako Angbashim. In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Asinim Butswat, the command revealed that one of the suspected killers, Onyekachi Okowa, has been apprehended in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
Onyekachi Okowa, identified as the second in command to TuBaba of the Iceland cult group, was taken into custody on Saturday based on credible intelligence gathered by police operatives. The arrest comes after the heinous murder of SP Bako Angbashim in September 2023.
The Bayelsa State Police Command emphasized that Okowa’s arrest was a result of the collaborative efforts of its operatives and highlighted the importance of credible intelligence in tracking down criminal elements. The suspect was located in a hideout in Yenagoa, where he had reportedly been laying low after his involvement in the murder of Superintendent Angbashim.
According to the statement, Onyekachi Okowa has been handed over to the Rivers State Police Command for further investigation. The Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State, CP Francis Iduh, has directed police operatives to intensify efforts in uncovering any other cohorts of Okowa who may be hiding in Bayelsa State.
CP Iduh emphasized that the Bayelsa State Command, under his leadership, will not tolerate criminal activities or serve as a sanctuary for those seeking to evade justice. The commitment to ensuring that criminals face the full weight of the law was reiterated, sending a strong message that Bayelsa will not be a haven for those involved in criminal activities.
As the investigation progresses, law enforcement in both Bayelsa and Rivers States is working collaboratively to bring all individuals involved in the murder of Superintendent Bako Angbashim to justice. The arrest of Onyekachi Okowa marks a significant step forward in seeking accountability for the tragic loss of a dedicated police officer.
