Rivers Police Arrest Five More Suspects Over Obi-Wali Cultural Centre, Filling Station Robberies

The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation into the robbery incidents at the Obi-Wali International Cultural Centre and Tottinno Filling Station in Port Harcourt.

In a statement released on Monday, December 15, 2025 and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Command  confirmed the arrest of five additional suspects in separate operations carried out on 25, 26 and 28 November 2025.

The arrests took place across Diobu and the Ikoku axis of Port Harcourt, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to nine.

According to the Police, the arrests were made through intelligence-led policing, reflecting the commitment of operatives to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

The newly arrested suspects are Victor Ukabi, 41, from Nkpa in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State; Basil Nwagazie, 65, from Eziebodo in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State; Nkechinyere Wokem, 30, a POS operator from Ubuohia Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State; Obinna Nwankwo, 44, from Umu-Erim in Umuaji Uloke, Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State; and Igwe Amabi Eze, 51, from Osuofio in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, identified as the receiver of the stolen items.

The Police recalled that the gang leader, Bright Nwabueze, also known as Bishop, aged 53, was earlier intercepted and arrested at the Rumuokoro flyover, where two rifles were found inside his vehicle.

Several items believed to have been stolen during the robberies have also been recovered. These include a 30KVA generator recovered from a buyer in Onitsha on 12 December 2025, inverter batteries recovered from a receiver’s shop in Ikoku, and two rifles.

The Command described the recoveries as a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation. All suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in Police custody, while further investigations continue to identify and arrest other individuals linked to the crime.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olugbenga  Adepoju, commended the operatives for their bravery and dedication. He urged residents to continue to trust Police operations and support the Command with credible information to strengthen the collective fight against crime across the state.