By Elvira Jordan
The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed an online publication linking ACP London Irikefe, Commander of 56 PMF, to the arrest and prosecution of four men accused of operating an unauthorised detention facility.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Command said Irikefe was not involved in the arrest or prosecution of Darlington Ogulo, Eze Woke Solomon, Wali Perfect and Augustine Charles.
The police said the operation followed a formal complaint filed on August 17, 2026, by Gift Benjamin Odogbo, who reported that her mother, Kate Odogbo, had allegedly been abducted by unknown gunmen on August 12.
According to the Command, the victim was later traced to a detention facility allegedly owned by Gabriel Asa Abuja. Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU-AKU) were deployed to the location, where the woman was rescued and four suspects were arrested.
Police said a pump-action firearm and a locally fabricated long gun were recovered from the scene, while the major access road to the facility was reportedly blocked with sandbags.
Preliminary investigations, the Command said, uncovered allegations of illegal possession of firearms, intimidation, unlawful detention and the operation of a security outfit without the required licence or authorisation.
The suspects allegedly claimed affiliation with the Nigeria Forest Guard but were unable to produce documentation supporting their identity or authority to operate the facility.
The Command stressed that private security outfits and individuals are not authorised to establish detention facilities or exercise police powers. It also warned against the unauthorised use of police colours, markings and insignia in ways capable of misleading members of the public.
The four suspects were subsequently charged to court on August 21, 2026.
The police urged the public to disregard reports linking ACP Irikefe to the case, maintaining that the arrests were based on the complaint received, findings at the scene and the need to rescue and protect the alleged victim.
The Command also warned bloggers, social media influencers and content creators against publishing false or defamatory information capable of causing public mischief or undermining investigations, urging the public to verify information through credible official sources.
It reaffirmed its commitment to professional policing, human rights, transparency, accountability and impartial enforcement of the law.
