The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists for allegedly killing a 34-year-old man, Rowland Horsfall, and extorting ransom from his mother.
Details of the Incident:
- Horsfall was accused of generating a fake alert for hard drugs purchased from the cultists in the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt.
- The cultists demanded a ransom of N2.5 million from Horsfall’s mother, who unknowingly transferred N300,000 to her son’s account, unaware he had already been killed.
- The cultists sent threatening pictures and voice notes to Horsfall’s girlfriend, warning that he would be killed if the ransom wasn’t paid promptly.
Police Investigation:
- The police launched an operation and arrested the prime suspect, Endurance Friday Thompson, in Woji Town on November 3, 2024.
- During interrogation, Thompson confessed to the crime, detailing how he and his gang members held Horsfall captive, killed him, and disposed of his body.
- Four other suspects, Boma Otonye, David Link Ishaku, Moses Nsikak Benjamin, and Emmanuel Aniete, were also arrested and confessed to the crime.
Police Response:
- The Rivers State Police Command has intensified its manhunt for the remaining suspects to ensure they face the full wrath of the law.
- The command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, advised youths to be cautious about their associations and movements to avoid falling victim to criminal elements.
Source: Punch
