Police arrest 13 after PUNCH report on journalists’ assault in River

The Rivers State Police Command said its officers have arrested no fewer than 13 suspects allegedly involved in the attack of a broadcast journalist and some criminal activities in Port Harcourt recently.

Recall that Mr Allwell Ene, who works with Megaletrics, operators of Classic FM. 92.1, Beat FM, 99.9 and Naija FM, 92.7, was accosted and attacked a group of miscreants over three weeks ago at the Garrison axis of the metropolis while on an investigation.

Similarly, a journalist with Channels Television, Charles Opurum was also attacked by some hoodlums while driving into a Petrol Station near the Rumuola axis of Port Harcourt, raising concerns about the safety of newsmen who are on lawful duties in the state.

Sequel to the attacks and the activities of touts and urchins at major nus stops in city and its environs, a coalition of civil society groups in a joint media briefing condemned the attacks and chided the police for the delay in arresting any culprit and for allegedly keeping mum whole hoodlums take over bus stops.

The PUNCH, in a full page feature titled ‘Drivers, residents groan as hoodlums tighten grip on P’ Harcourt routes’ published on April 30th issue captures the incidents and aptly paints the picture with a call on the authorities including the Rivers State government to urgently arrest the situation.

Four days after the Punch report, the police, while making a veiled reference to the report, said some arrests have been made in what it termed swift response according to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe.

The police statement titled ‘Police Response To Online Publication On Journalist Assault: Victim Rescued, 13 Suspects Arrested’ was made available to newsmen on Monday.

The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of a publication currently circulating online regarding an alleged incident involving a journalist. Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugenga Adewole Adepoju, promptly took decisive action by inviting the journalist to provide a firsthand account, while a comprehensive investigation into the matter commenced.

“The facts available indicate that one journalist, Mr. Allwell Ene, while conducting a solo investigative activity in an area marked as black spot, known for criminal activities and constantly raided by police, was attacked and physically assaulted by suspected hoodlums for video recording them. Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Olu-Obasanjo Division swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene to rescue the journalist.

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, operatives of the Command have been jointly carrying out coordinated operations within the Olu-Obasanjo axis and adjoining areas. Currently, a total of thirteen (13) suspects have been arrested. The suspects are believed to be involved in various criminal activities, including phone theft and the harassment of law-abiding members of the public.”

“Investigations are ongoing and efforts are being intensified to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.”

Meanwhile, the CP Adepoju has advised journalists and private investigators to refrain from undertaking investigative activities alone, particularly in ‘high-risk or crime-prone areas’.

The state police chief said he strongly encourages collaboration with the Police and urges members of the public to always provide credible information to security agencies to enhance public safety and maintain law and order across Rivers State.

The Command, according to the statement, reiterates its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property and assures the public of sustained efforts to eradicate criminal elements within the state.