Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command said its men have arrested 16 suspects in connection with the murder of a female inspector in front of Taabaa Police Station in Khana local government area of the state.

The incident occurred on April 25 while the policewoman identified as Christiana Erekere was on duty at the Bori Police Division,

The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday and sent to newsmen, said trouble started when the men in a private vehicle were stopped by policemen for a routine search.

Iringe-Koko, said all of a sudden an argument ensued and the occupants became angry and blocked the road, adding that even after completing the checks and asked to leave, they refused, alleging that the female Inspector had recorded their behaviour with her phone and attacked her with stones when their attempt to seize the phone failed.

The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command announces the arrest of sixteen persons in connection with the tragic death of Inspector Christiana Erekere, who was murdered in the line of duty on April 25, 2024, at approximately 4 pm.

“According to preliminary investigations, the incident occurred when a group of individuals traveling in a Lexus salon car was stopped for routine checks at the checkpoint in front of Taabaa Police Station.

“However, the occupants became agitated and proceeded to barricade the road, obstructing the movement of other vehicles,” it added.

The statement furthered that after completing the necessary checks, the police officers requested that the individuals leave the scene. Unfortunately, they refused, alleging that Inspector Erekere had recorded a video of their disruptive behaviour using her mobile phone.

Hence, in their attempt to seize Inspector Erekere’s phone forcefully, they launched a violent attack against her, striking her with stones.

“The severity of the assault caused Inspector Erekere to lose consciousness, and she was immediately transported to Nnadum Hospital in Bori. Regrettably, she succumbed to the injuries sustained during the attack,” the statement said.

It added that, “The Rivers State Police Command has initiated a thorough investigation into this abhorrent incident, and all individuals involved will be apprehended and brought to justice.”

The command extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and her colleagues during this difficult time. Consequently, Inspector Erekere’s remains have been transferred to the mortuary pending an autopsy.

“The Rivers State Police Command deeply regrets this unfortunate incident and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are swiftly apprehended and held accountable for their actions,” it reiterated.(The PUNCH)