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RIVERS POLICE RECOVERS SKULL, OTHER PARTS OF SLAIN DPO
promises regular updates on investigations
By Faith Kordoo
The Rivers State Police Command has recovered the remains of the late former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division in the state, SP Bako Angbashim.
The DPO was reportedly murdered by a notorious cult leader, Gift Okpara, 2baba, and his gang members in September 2023.
Recall that members of the Iceland cult gang had ambushed Angbashim, captured and decapitated his body in Odiemude community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, and fled with his remains on September 8, 2023.
After carrying out the inhumane act, the suspects filmed the DPO’s decollated remains and posted them on social media, causing uproar and leading to an eventual manhunt for the suspects.
The discovery of the DPO’s remains was disclosed in a statement released by a spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Wednesday.
The statement reads in part, “On Sunday, March 10, 2024, a coordinated joint operation was carried out by tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau.
“This operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, famously known as 2Baba, situated within the forest region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
“During the operation, diligent search efforts led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain police officer, SP Bako Angbashim, were located and subsequently exhumed.
The police noted that the recovered remains have been taken to the mortuary, where they will undergo scientific examination and genetic testing.
“These tests aim to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.
“Furthermore, ongoing efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of SP Bako Angbashim’s body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest,” she added.
Meanwhile, 2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for this crime, was killed on February 17, 2024, during an assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command in Ebrass in Ahoada West LGA.
Days later, the police recovered the decomposing remains of the dreaded cult leader from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.
The state commissioner of police, Olatunji Disu, commended what he described as the unwavering dedication and resolute commitment demonstrated by all the officers involved in the operation.
“The command extends its gratitude to the community members for their invaluable support throughout the investigation process.
“The police will continue to prioritise the safety and security of all citizens, and they remain determined to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
He reiterated that the Rivers State Police Command remains steadfast in its mission to uphold peace, security, and justice within the state, assuring that regular updates on the progress of this investigation will be provided as developments unfold.
