Rivers Vigilante Chairman, Two Members Arrested for Torturing Suspected Thief to Death in Ahoada West
Port Harcourt – Security operatives and community youths in Rivers State have arrested the chairman of a local vigilante group along with two of his members for allegedly torturing a man to death in Okogbe Community, Ahoada West Local Government Area. The suspects – identified as Joshua (the vigilante chairman), Friday Silas (a group member), and Obed Godlove (a motorcyclist) – were apprehended on Sunday while attempting to dispose of the victim's corpse in Ukpeliede Community. The arrest was carried out jointly by community youths and a Joint Task Force. According to preliminary investigations, the incident stemmed from accusations that the victim had stolen palm fruits. The vigilante members reportedly subjected him to severe torture in an attempt to extract a confession or mete out punishment, leading to his death. When questioned by security operatives following their arrest, the suspects reportedly admitted to the act but claimed they were trying to "dispose of the body...