- Police Officer Queried as Alleged Rap3 Suspect Escapes in Rivers
- The suspect escaped while being escorted to the scene of the alleged crime
- CP Adepoju warned that the command would not tolerate negligence, misconduct, or abuse of office by any personnel
The Rivers State Police Command has detained a police officer attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) over the alleged escape of a rape suspect during an ongoing investigation.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the officer, identified as ASP Ekawhe Thomas, was also issued a formal query following a preliminary review of the incident by the command.
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The suspect, simply identified as Goodnews, is accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Rumukwurushi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to reports, the suspect escaped while being escorted to the scene of the alleged crime by an Investigating Police Officer from the SCID in Port Harcourt as part of efforts to continue investigations into the case.
The victim’s father, Prince, said he had briefly left the area to obtain a hammer that would be used to force open the suspect’s apartment after the suspect allegedly refused to unlock the door.
He explained that he was shocked upon his return when the Investigating Police Officer informed him that the suspect had escaped.
Prince added that he immediately pursued the direction the officer claimed the suspect had fled towards but was unable to apprehend him.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed that efforts were ongoing to re-arrest the suspect, while a full-scale investigation had been launched into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
The statement also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, as expressing displeasure over the development.
According to the statement, the police commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, discipline, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.
CP Adepoju warned that the command would not tolerate negligence, misconduct, or abuse of office by any personnel, stressing that any officer found culpable after investigations would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with police regulations and existing laws.
“The Command assures members of the public of its commitment to transparency, justice, and the protection of citizens’ rights at all times,” the statement added.
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