Notorious Cultists Linked to Rivers DPO’s Murder Now in Custody – Police

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of the dreaded Iceland cult group, believed to be responsible for a reign of terror in Ahoada East Local Government Area and the gruesome killing of former Divisional Police Officer, Bako Angbashim, in 2023.

The suspects, identified as Lovegod Goodluck, also known as K1, and Precious Olumini, were said to be lieutenants of the late cult leader Gift Okpara, popularly known as 2-Baba, who led the group before he was killed.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests and disclosed that the operations were carried out by the command’s Octopus Tactical Team.

“On May 3, 2025, operatives of the command received credible information regarding the whereabouts of a notorious cultist known as aka ‘K1,’ a member of the late 2-Baba Iceland cult group. This group was linked to the murder of late SP Bako Angbashim, the then DPO of Ahoada Division,” the statement read.

“The police operatives swiftly stormed the suspect’s camp in Ikata Community, Ahoada East LGA, and arrested one Lovegod Goodluck, a male resident of Ikata Community.”

The operation also led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges.

In a follow-up operation conducted on June 13, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., police arrested the second suspect, Precious Olumini, who had previously evaded arrest. Additional weapons were recovered, including an English-made pump-action gun and a locally fabricated pistol.

“During interrogation, suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Iceland cult group that has been terrorising Ahoada-East axis of the state,” Iringe-Koko added.

She confirmed that the suspects and recovered weapons are currently in police custody, while investigations continue to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.

“Suspects and exhibits are in police custody; investigation is currently in progress with efforts being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons.”

Reacting to the arrests, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, reiterated the command’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring public safety.

“The command under my watch remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state,” Adepoju said.

He also urged the public to support police efforts by reporting suspicious activities.

“We call on citizens to cooperate with the police in ridding communities of violent and criminal elements by reporting any suspicious activities for prompt action,” he added.