An events has unfolded in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where a man accused of rape has vanished from police custody. The suspect, identified simply as Goodnews, escaped while under the supervision of an Investigating Police Officer (IPO).
The incident has left the victim’s family in shock and raised serious questions about police procedures.
Goodnews was arrested last week by operatives in Rumudomaya. He faced allegations of defiling a 16-year-old girl along Apu Road in Rukpoku, located within the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
After his arrest, he was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further questioning.
The trouble started when the IPO escorted the suspect back to the crime scene for a routine visit. According to the victim’s father, Mr. Prince, the officers failed to handcuff the suspect during the operation.
Mr. Prince recounted the confusing moments leading up to the escape. He said the suspect struggled to open the door to his apartment during the visit. Feeling the need to assist, Prince offered to fetch a hammer to break the padlock.
"I took permission from the IPO and went to my apartment to get the tool," Prince explained. "But when I returned, the IPO broke the news that the suspect had escaped."
The father expressed deep frustration over the matter. He noted that he tried to chase the suspect in the direction the officer claimed he fled, but the search was futile.
The Rivers State Police Command has since confirmed the unfortunate incident. ASP Blessing Agabe, the state police spokesperson, addressed the media regarding the escape.
She assured the public that the command is not taking the matter lightly. "Efforts are on to re-arrest the fleeing suspect as investigation is ongoing," Agabe stated.
The police are currently intensifying efforts to track down the suspect and return him to custody.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
0 Comments