…Commence investigation on APP Secretariat explosion
By Editor
The Rivers State Police Command has named one Preye Josiah as the mastermind of the dynamite explosion along Aba-Port Harcourt Road, opposite Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said Josiah, a 40-year-old man hails from Kabiama Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, suspected to be a member of Vikings Confraternity.
He said explained that: "Regarding the previous explosion that occurred along the Port Harcourt – Aba Expressway on June 25th, 2024, the arrested suspect who sustained serious bodily injuries and has since been undergoing treatment has been identified as Preye Josiah, alias Metusah, aged 40 years and a native of Kabiama Community of Sagbama LGA.
"Investigations revealed that Preye Josiah has been on the Police wanted list for participating in some high-profile bank robberies led by one Daniel Gogo, alias Full Payment, between 2012 and 2016, where three AK47 rifles, a Lar rifle, 360 rounds of live ammunition, 20 magazines, five dynamites, two pistols, a rifle servicing equipment, and three exotic cars were recovered in Bayelsa State by Operatives of the then IGP-IRT," the statement said.
The PPRO also said that, "Preye, who was evasive to Police arrest, was identified as the dynamite detonating expert of the gang. The suspect had also informed operatives of the Command that the explosion was a result of dynamite. He is a member of the Vikings Confraternity. Efforts are still ongoing to arrest others involved in the crime."
The release said Preye, who has undergone three major surgeries and has made a significant recovery, will soon be charged to Court after the investigations have been completed.
In related development, the statement said investigations on the recent attack on the Action People's Party (APP) Secretariat have started in earnest. According to the statement, "on August 12th, 2024, at approximately 12:30 am, the Rivers State Police Command received a distress call reporting a loud explosion at the Action Peoples Party (APP) secretariat located in Tombia Extension, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt.
"The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, and a team of tactical units with experts from the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD/Anti-Bomb) Squad were immediately mobilized to the scene to assess the situation. The team cordoned off the area and commenced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Procedures and search operations.
"The Command's EOD experts identified a crater created in front of the building where the device was placed, causing shockwaves and damaging the glass of the windows and doors.
"Eyewitness accounts around the time the explosion was heard revealed that a car had been parked a few meters from the APP Secretariat, and two men had alighted from the car, walked to the building, and ignited the suspected device before throwing it at the secretariat. They then re-entered the vehicle and drove off.
"The discovery of a crater and other pieces of evidence, as well as eyewitness accounts, indicate the detonation of an explosive device. Thankfully, no loss of life was recorded, but damage was done to the front of the building. Samples from the site of the explosion have been taken for further forensic investigation. Operatives of the Command have been detailed to intensify efforts to investigate and apprehend all suspects involved in this incident," the statement said.
The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged members of the public to be vigilant when such cases of explosion occur and to steer clear of the vicinity, as there is a tendency of another device being present.
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