The Rivers State Police Command says the arrest of over 30 persons by its operatives in Port Harcourt on Sunday was purely a criminal matter and not politically motivated.
The Police made this claim after the Atiku/Okowa Campaign council alleged that their members were arrested by armed policemen during a meeting in the state capital.
Spokesman of the Organization, Victor Moses, said some of those arrested were state and local government leaders of the group.
He alleged that the police operatives may have acted on the instructions of Governor Nyesom Wike.
Reacting on Monday, the police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko I’m a statement, said “the Rivers State Police Command on 5th February 2023 at about 1.30 pm arrested Thirty-two (32) persons from two hideouts in connection with suspected cult-related activities.”
Iringe-Koko said the police in the state have been carrying out targeted raids of criminal hideouts because of the incidents of cult clashes that have been recorded lately.
The PPRO also clarified that the arrest was not related to any political meeting, adding that those arrested were being profiled, with seven of them having already been released.
She added that all others found to be clean will be released soonest while those found guilty will be charged in court.
