The Rivers State Police Command has detained a police officer attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department following the alleged escape of a rape suspect during an ongoing investigation.
The officer, identified as ASP Ekawhe Thomas, was also issued a formal query after a preliminary assessment of the incident by the command.
The suspect, simply identified as Goodnews, is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in Rumukwurushi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
According to reports, the suspect escaped while being escorted to the scene of the alleged crime by an Investigating Police Officer from the SCID in Port Harcourt as part of efforts to advance the investigation.
The father of the victim, identified as Prince, said the suspect fled after he briefly left the area to obtain a hammer that would be used to force open the suspect’s apartment when he allegedly refused to provide access to the building.
Prince explained that he was shocked on his return when the Investigating Police Officer informed him that the suspect had escaped.
He said he immediately chased in the direction the suspect was said to have taken but could not apprehend him.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, ASP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the police had commenced efforts to rearrest the fleeing suspect.
She added that a comprehensive investigation had also been launched into the circumstances surrounding the escape.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, as expressing displeasure over the incident and reiterating the command’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Adepoju warned that the command would not condone negligence, misconduct, or abuse of office by any officer, stressing that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary action in line with police regulations.
“The Command assures members of the public of its commitment to transparency, justice, and the protection of citizens’ rights at all times,” the statement added.