Rivers police rescue assaulted journalist, arrest 13

The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a journalist from assault and arrested 13 suspects, the Command said in a statement on Monday.

Allwell Ene was conducting a solo investigation around a known black spot when he was attacked by some hoodlums for videoing them.

The statement by Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the Command received information about the assault through an online publication “regarding an alleged incident involving a journalist.”

Kaborlo said Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, Rivers State Police Commissioner, “promptly took decisive action by inviting the journalist to provide a firsthand account, while a comprehensive investigation into the matter commenced.”

The statement continued: “The facts available indicate that one journalist, Mr. Allwell Ene, while conducting a solo investigative activity in an area marked as black spot, known for criminal activities and constantly raided by police was attacked and physically assaulted by suspected hoodlums for video recording them.

“Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Olu-Obasanjo Division swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene to rescue the journalist.

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, operatives of the Command have been jointly carrying out coordinated operations within the Olu-Obasanjo axis and adjoining areas.

“Currently, a total of thirteen (13) suspects have been arrested. The suspects are believed to be involved in various criminal activities, including phone theft and the harassment of law-abiding members of the public. Investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.”

The Police therefore advised journalists and private investigators to refrain from undertaking investigative activities alone, particularly in high-risk or crime-prone areas.

The Commissioner of Police strongly encouraged “collaboration with the Police and urges members of the public to always provide credible information to security agencies to enhance public safety and maintain law and order across Rivers State,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Command reiterated its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and assured the public of sustained efforts to eradicate criminal elements within the State.