The Rivers State Police Command has intensified efforts to apprehend Gift Okpara, widely known as ‘2-Baba,’ a notorious cult leader declared wanted for the murder of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Bako Angbashin in September 2023. In a significant development, the command announced the recovery of four 20-KVA generators seized by Okpara from a company, shedding light on the escalating criminal activities in the region.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Olugbenga Adepoju, revealed this information during a press briefing in Port Harcourt while overseeing the return of the seized assets to the company on Thursday. According to the police, Okpara, leader of the Iceland cult group, had confiscated the generators as part of his extortion scheme, demanding a hefty N20 million illegal levy labeled ‘matching ground’ from the company.
DCP Adepoju explained, “Our tactical teams intercepted these generators, which were seized by the notorious and most-wanted criminal in Rivers State, David Gift, aka 2-Baba, who also orchestrated the killing of SP Bako Angbashin, the DPO of Ahoada Police Division, a few months back.”
He further narrated the events leading to the recovery, stating, “Our men tactically cordoned off the place and recovered the generators. Today, we want to present them to the company. I don’t want to mention the name of the company for security reasons. They are here with us now. This is one of our achievements. We are still on his trail and, by the grace of God, we will get him.”
DCP Adepoju affirmed the commitment of the police command to make the state inhospitable for criminal elements, promising to pursue them relentlessly to their hideouts. He issued a warning to individuals involved in criminal activities and urged those whose properties are still held by criminals to report officially to the command.
Meanwhile, a representative of the company expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Police Command for their dedication and success in recovering the confiscated assets. He commended the police for their professionalism and peaceful resolution, emphasizing the commendable relationship between law enforcement and the public.
“This is something that is commendable. I have known the CP for a long time. He is a good police officer with a lot of respect accorded to him,” stated the company’s official, highlighting the testimony of the friendly way the police interact with the public in addressing criminal challenges.