Rivers State Police Command said it has arrested members of a gang allegedly specialized in kidnapping and raping young women in the State.
This was disclosed by the Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. She said the gang kidnapped and molested one Ogechi, 28, in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area on July 1, 2023.
Iringe-Koko said the police had been tracking the gang. Which, however, resulted in the arrest of a 32-year-old resident of Igoni Street, Abuloma, linked to the crime.
The statement read “Investigations revealed that Louise Brutolu engaged his victims through phone chats. And invites them to meet him at Pacific Suite Hotel in Abuloma, Rivers.
“After booking a room, the suspect drugs his victims, rendering them unconscious before disposing them of their valuables.
“In Ogechi’s case, the suspect took her iPhone, N28,000 and ATM card,” she explained.
The Police spokesperson stated that the police anti-kidnapping unit swung into action to capture Brutolu after the incident was reported.
“Operatives recovered the substances used by the suspect to incapacitate his victims before disposing them of their valuables.
“During interrogation, Brutolu identified the gang leader, who was subsequently arrested after several months of persistent investigation.
“Various items belonging to different victims, such as 21 mobile phones, three female handbags, and receipt booklets, were found in possession of the gang leader,” she added.
Iringe-Koko, however, did not disclose the gang leader’s identity. She said the suspect had previously faced charges for similar offences in 2021.
In a related development, the police spokesperson announced the arrest of one Jemifor Timi, 28 years. He was alleged have been involved in several rape cases of young women in Rivers Sate.
“Timi specializes in enticing women, Bolt and Uber drivers through social media platforms like Instagram, Tinder, and Badoo.
“After selecting victims who flaunt expensive phones on social media, the suspect invites them to his hotel rooms and offers them drinks.
“Following the consumption of drinks spiked with tramadol, Timi proceeds to rape and rob them of their belongings,” Iringe-Koko disclosed.
The police spokesperson emphasized that the suspect had been engaged in these crimes for three years. She added he had been previously arrested and charged twice.
Iringe-Koko, however, advised Rivers State residents, particularly young women cautious. She said they should be aware of kidnappers and rapists who exploit popular messaging platforms to lure victims.
“Personal safety should be a priority, with individuals insisting on meeting strangers in public places.
She advised residents to always inform family members and friends about their whereabouts.”
source: NAN