Monarch, 42 others acquitted over Rivers DPO’s murder

A High Court in Port Harcourt has cleared Kelvin Anugwo, a traditional ruler, and 42 others of charges related to the murder of the late divisional police officer, Bako Angbashim. The accused faced allegations of cultism, armed robbery, murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. Following the abduction and dismemberment of SP Angbashim by a notorious cult leader, David Okpara, and his accomplices in Oduemude community, Ahoada East, in September 2023, over 50 individuals were arrested and charged.

During the recent court session, the Director of Public Prosecution, C.F. Amadi, informed the court that there was insufficient evidence to establish a prima facie case against the accused. Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Sika Aprioku, acting on the advice of the DPP’s office, acquitted and discharged the accused.

In response to the ruling, Ekashie Emehi, counsel for the 37th defendant, expressed relief, emphasizing that his client’s innocence had been affirmed. Anugwo, the Eze Ekpeye Logbo III of Ahoada Kingdom, hailed the verdict as a triumph for justice in the region, attributing their exoneration to divine intervention.

Meanwhile, David Okpara, also known as 2baba, the main suspect in SP Angbashim’s murder, met his demise during a security operation in Idu-Ekpeye community, Ahoada East. His body was later unearthed from a shallow grave in a forest where his gang had buried him, and was publicly presented by the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, at the state police command headquarters in Port Harcourt on February 23, 2024.