Rivers Governor Fubara places N100m bounty on killer of DPO, suspends monarch indefinitely

Governor Siminalayi Fubara has placed a N100 million bounty on one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu, a.k.a. 2-Baba and all members of his criminal gang.

In a statement on Saturday, September 9, the Rivers state governor declared 2-Baba, and his gang wanted for the murder of a DPO, SP Bako Angbashim, in Odiemudie Community, Ahoada East local government area of the state.

The governor also slammed an indefinite suspension on a monarch, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, for complicity in the murder.

According to Governor Fubara's statement, SP Bako, the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, and his team ran into an ambush while returning from their operation.

The senior police officer was shot in the ensuing gunfire, captured and eventually murdered by his captors.

The Rivers state governor said credible intelligence from the security agencies traced the entire incident to 2-Baba) and his criminal gang.

He said the gang is responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism in Ahoada East LGA.

​Governor Fubara said he suspended His Majesty, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II, indefinitely for acts of complicity in ceding control of his territory to the notorious gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.

"As a responsible Government, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals and crimes to rear their ugly heads and thrive in any part of our state," he said.

Governor Fubara also sent condolences to the family of SP Bako, especially the wife and children and the state’s police command.​"SP Bako was a fine, brave and dutiful police officer, who gave up his life to keep us safe and secure.

He died in active service to his nation and we remember him for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice," he said. Fubara promised that the Rivers state government "will not allow his family to suffer the pains of his sudden and irreplaceable loss".

Nigerians react Adeyinka Adeogun said on Facebook: "Dear governor, why not give the police this same much needed support before this dastardly act ab initio?"

Oyewusi Babajide said: "How did this particular one happen? Why is it that it's after the horse had bolted we always prepare to lock up the stable's door?"

Precious Joseph Chinaza said: "Do same When police kill innocent people too . The man that they killed in front of his wife and kids nkor?"