The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of the Onelga Security Planning and Advisory Committee over the killing of a man in Omoku, headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

The victim, identified as Francis Chibuzor Ogwu, was allegedly killed in the early hours of October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.

The police said the firearm allegedly used in the incident has been recovered and that an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and determine the suspect’s level of involvement.

Suspect Identified as Felix Dibia

The Rivers State Police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, identified the arrested suspect as Felix Dibia.

According to the police, Dibia is suspected of being involved in Ogwu’s killing.

The command said the suspect is in custody while detectives investigate the circumstances of the incident.

Police authorities also said due process would be followed and that the outcome of the investigation would be based on established facts and applicable law.

OSPAC Denies Responsibility

The development has prompted a response from OSPAC, which denied that the organisation was responsible for the killing.

Its Public Relations Officer, Egbo Godknows Nkem, described claims linking OSPAC to the incident as false.

Nkem said the organisation identified the suspect as Chinasa Dibia and claimed he was a hunter who had previously participated in OSPAC activities but was not acting under the organisation’s authority when the incident occurred.

According to Nkem, Dibia was allegedly on personal duty when he accosted Ogwu at about 2:20 a.m. on October 1 in Omoku.

He maintained that Dibia was not operating under any directive from OSPAC at the time.

OSPAC Says Suspect Was Handed Over

Nkem said OSPAC’s General Commander, Felix Nwaobakata, handed Dibia over to the police for investigation.

He urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation and establish the circumstances surrounding Ogwu’s death.

The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to operating within Nigerian law and working with conventional security agencies to protect lives and property in the area.

Police Warn Against Unlawful Killings

The police spokesperson stressed that no member of OSPAC or any other individual has the lawful authority to unlawfully take another person’s life.

Agabe also cited Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees the right to life.

The command said investigations would determine what happened and establish the extent of any individual’s involvement in the incident.

No court has determined the guilt of the arrested suspect, and the circumstances surrounding Ogwu’s death remain subject to the ongoing police investigation.