Rivers State vigilante commander arrested with human skulls amid murder allegations
In a significant development, the Rivers State Police have apprehended Felix Nwaobakata, the commander of a local vigilante group, at his hideout in Omoku, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, with two human skulls and other body parts.
Nwaobakata, leader of the ONELGA Security and Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), was arrested following accusations linking him to the murder of two brothers in Idu on May 1, 2024. The group allegedly accused the brothers of being kidnappers, seized their motorcycles, and purportedly presented their bodies at their Omoku headquarters.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko highlighted ongoing concerns about OSPAC’s activities, particularly in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, citing clashes with law enforcement.
This included an incident where OSPAC members reportedly attacked an Omoku police division after Nwaobakata failed to respond to multiple summons.
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The arrest, conducted on June 17, 2024, uncovered two human skulls and bones at Nwaobakata’s hideout, further implicating him in various alleged crimes and escalating tensions surrounding OSPAC’s operations.
In response to escalating public outcry, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to public safety while cautioning against illegal activities by vigilante groups.
He emphasised the role of community policing but stressed the necessity for vigilante groups to operate strictly within the bounds of the law.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains dedicated to protecting lives and property,” stated Commissioner Disu. “While recognising the importance of vigilante groups in community safety, we will not tolerate criminal acts or excessive use of force.”