RIVERS POLICE ARREST LAWYER AFTER SHOOTING DURING MASQUERADE DISPLAY IN OMOKU

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a lawyer following a shooting during a masquerade display in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, which left one person dead and eight others injured.

State Police spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the incident occurred on Monday when some youths participating in the masquerade clashed with Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and officials of the Nigeria Forest Guards.

“The altercation escalated and resulted in a shooting and casualties,” CSP Iringe-Koko said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

She added that two others connected to the incident have also been arrested, and the trio is currently in police custody.

According to the statement, the incident happened along Sambo Street in the early hours of Monday, January 19, 2026. Reports indicate that at about 1:30 a.m., the confrontation involved Barrister Ikechukwu and four personnel of the Nigeria Forest Guards, leading to nine members of the masquerade group sustaining gunshot injuries. One victim, identified as Obulo, was confirmed dead at a local hospital, while eight others are receiving treatment.

“Following the incident, Barrister Akpudi Ikechukwu and two other suspects were promptly arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed investigation,” the statement read.

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CSP Iringe-Koko said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances and the level of culpability of all parties involved.

She also noted that the Area Commander has engaged with aggrieved youths in the community to prevent a breakdown of law and order. A joint police and military patrol has been deployed to ensure the safety of lives and property.

“The Rivers State Police Command assures the public that all those found culpable will be brought to justice,” the statement added.