The Port Harcourt Local Government Authority Area Security Watch, along with the police, apprehended approximately 12 individuals internet fraud for allegedly burying a newborn baby alive.
Not fewer than 12 suspected internet fraudsters, popularly known as Yahoo boys, have been arrested for allegedly burying a newborn baby alive in Rivers State.
These suspects are believed to have buried the newborn infant alive at Andoni waterfront in Eagle Island, the capital of Rivers State. The operation, prompted by a tip-off, was carried out in collaboration with the Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch.
The chairman of the Port Harcourt Local Government Authority Area Security Watch, Victor Ohaji, who disclosed the unfortunate development to reporters, said the arrest followed the efforts of the police and the security outfit.
He told newsmen that a tip-off had alerted them to the nefarious activities of the suspects, and it was not difficult to locate a place that showed signs of being freshly dug and covered at the waterfront.
“When we dug the place, we saw a newborn baby, a bouncing baby boy. Very fine boy that they buried. We called the Situation Officer of Eagle Island and informed him of our discovery so that he could relate to the Divisional Police Officer.
The police and neighbourhood watchmen joined us, and we started going around Eagle Island to see if we could find the suspects,” he said.
The arrest of these alleged Yahoo boys came about due to reliable information provided by residents who witnessed a group of young men performing rituals and digging near the waterfront.
Victor Ohaji, who serves as both the Chairman of the PLGA Security Watch and the Chief Security Officer of Eagle Island, revealed the details of the incident to the press.
ALSO SEE: Why I Underwent Knee Surgery – Falz
Upon receiving the information, Ohaji promptly informed the Azikiwe Police Division in Diobi, Port Harcourt, as well as the officials from the state neighborhood Agency.
He then mobilized his team to the location indicated by the information, only to find that the ‘yahoo boys’ had already departed. Nevertheless, upon closer inspection, it was evident that these suspects had buried something near the waterfront.
Taking a closer look, Ohaji instructed his team to excavate the area, leading to the discovery of the lifeless body of a newborn baby boy. As a result, his team, in collaboration with the police and local neighborhood members, began searching the area for the culprits. They eventually spotted the individuals emerging from a hotel.
Ohaji stated, “When we dug the place, we saw a newborn baby, a bouncing baby boy. Very fine boy that they buried.
”Immediately I called the Situation Officer of Eagle Island and informed him of our discovery so that he can relate to the Divisional Police Officer he is working with.
“Immediately, the police and neighbourhood watchmen joined us. So we started going around Eagle Island to see if we could find the suspects.
“We even moved from one hotel to another in the area, and lo and behold, we saw them coming out from a hotel. And as soon as we highlighted from the car, they (suspects) started running.
“So, we chased after them and apprehended them. There were twelve of them. So we took them to the police station and the baby.”
Continuing, he said, “While we were there, the leader of this yahoo boys was shouting, ranting that his father is a Major General and that nothing will happen.
“He said even if they bury full human being, nothing will happen. The boy went on ranting that his father was coming. So we handed them to the police.”
Ohaji called on the Rivers State Government to assist the outfit with with vehicles and logistics to improve on the good work they are doing.
“All we want is for the state to be peaceful. So the government should please assist us, ” he stated.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation is ongoing.
She stated, “Yes, we can confirm the incident. They were arrested by the police with the help of vigilantes..
”The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for proper investigation. ”
Comments are closed.