The Rivers State Police Command has retrieved the body of the late slain Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division, Bako Angbashim.
Angbashim was murdered by a suspected cult gang led by Gift Okpara aka 2Baba in September 2023. Members of the Iceland cult gang had ambushed Angbashim, captured and decapitated his body in Odiemude community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state, and fled with his remains on September 8, 2023.
Six months later, Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers Police Command Grace Iringe-Koko said the Force Intelligence Bureau stormed the camp of the recently deceased cult kingpin Gift Okpara and discovered a shallow grave from which the remains of late SP Angbashim were exhumed and recovered.
“On Sunday, March 10, 2024, a coordinated joint operation was carried out by tactical squads from the Rivers State Police Command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau,” she said in a Wednesday statement.
“This operation targeted the camp of the deceased cult leader Gift Okpara famously known as 2Baba, situated within the forested region of Odiemude Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area. During the operation, diligent search efforts led to the discovery of a burial site within the gang’s shrine, where the remains of the slain Police Officer SP Bako Angbashim were located and subsequently exhumed.
The police spokesperson said the recovery was made during a joint operation by tactical squads from the command and personnel from the Force Intelligence Bureau on the camp of the killed cult kingpin.
“Notably, the exhumed remains include the skull of the deceased. These recovered remains have been taken to the mortuary, where they will undergo scientific examination and genetic testing. These tests aim to establish the identity of the remains through a meticulous comparison with samples obtained from the late officer’s relatives.
“Furthermore, ongoing efforts are underway to locate and retrieve the remaining dismembered parts of SP Bako Angbashim’s body, suspected to have been buried at various undisclosed locations within the forest.
“It is important to note that 2Baba, the leader of the gang responsible for this heinous crime, met his demise on February 17, 2024, during a planned assault executed by the Rivers State Police Command. 2Baba died in Ebrass, Ahoada West Local Government Area, but unfortunately, his gang members managed to escape with his body.”
