Police Recover Slain Rivers DPO’s Skull

The Rivers State Police Command announced the recovery of the skull belonging to the late former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Police Division, Bako Angbashim. Angbashim was allegedly murdered by a cult gang led by Gift Okpara, also known as 2Baba, in September 2023.

The horrific incident occurred when members of the Iceland cult gang ambushed Angbashim, decapitated his body, and fled with his remains in Odiemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state on September 8, 2023. Subsequently, the gang posted videos of the DPO’s decapitated remains on social media.

According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the state police command, the recovery of the late DPO’s skull was achieved during a joint operation by tactical squads from the command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau.

Efforts are underway to recover the remaining parts of Angbashim’s body. Iringe-Koko emphasized the commitment to resolving the crime and ensuring justice, stating that their efforts have yielded fruitful results.

During a coordinated joint operation on March 10, 2024, tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command, in collaboration with personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau, targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader, Gift Okpara, known as 2Baba, in Odiemude Community. This operation led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain police officer were located and subsequently exhumed.

The exhumed remains, including the skull, have been taken to the mortuary for scientific examination and genetic testing to establish the identity of the deceased through comparison with samples obtained from his relatives. The police are also continuing efforts to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of Angbashim’s body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest.

2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for the crime, was killed on February 17, 2024, during an assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command in Ebrass, Ahoada West LGA. Following his death, the police recovered his decomposing remains from a shallow grave in the Ebrass forest.

The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, commended the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all officers involved in the operation, and expressed gratitude to the community members for their support throughout the investigation process. The police remain determined to apprehend the remaining members of the gang and uphold peace, security, and justice within the state.

Updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided as developments unfold.