NEWS

CSP Bako: Governor Sim Fubara Puts ₦100 Million Bounty on Notorious Cult Leader

September 9, 2023

Governor Sim Fubara Announces ₦100 Million Bounty on Notorious Cult Leader in Wake of CSP Bako Murder

In a response to the tragic murder of Ahoada Divisional Police Officer SP Bako Angbashim, Governor Sim Fubara has declared a ₦100 million bounty on the head of the prime suspect, Gift David Okpara Okpolowu, also known as “2-Baba.” This announcement follows the gruesome incident in the Odiemudie Community of Ahoada East Local Government Area on September 8, 2023.

PulseNets reported that Bako was reportedly killed while returning from an operation in Odeimude forest, Ahoada East, where he led his team to dislodge a camp operated by cultists and kidnappers in the area.

The attack took place after Bako and his team ran out of ammunition and were ambushed by the cultists, who were armed with four General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs).

Credible intelligence links the incident to Gift David Okpara Okpolowu and his criminal gang, which has been responsible for a surge in violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism, in the region.

As part of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and addressing the deteriorating security situation, the following actions have been taken:

Wanted Status: Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and all members of his criminal gang are now declared wanted.
Bounty Offered: A reward of ₦100 million has been offered for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of Gift David Okpara Okpolowu.
Suspension of Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi: His Majesty, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II, has been indefinitely suspended due to his alleged involvement in allowing the criminal gang to operate freely within his territory.

Governor Sim Fubara reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to bringing the murderers of SP Bako to justice and restoring security in the Ahoada East Local Government Area.

The Governor extended heartfelt condolences to SP Bako’s family and the State’s Police Command, praising the officer’s bravery and sacrifice in the line of duty. The Government of Rivers State stands in solidarity with SP Bako’s family and will support them during this challenging time.

Read full statement below:

“Yesterday, 8th September 2023 at about 7.00 pm, I was briefed on the security operations around the Odiemudie Community in the Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state and the gruesome murder of SP Bako Angbashim, the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, by a bunch of criminals, presently at large.

“S.P Bako and his team ran into an ambush while returning from their operation where they were attacked by the criminals. Unfortunately, he was shot in the ensuing gunfire, captured and eventually murdered by his captors.

“Credible intelligence from the security agencies traced the entire incident to one Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and his criminal gang, who have established camps in the locality and are responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism in Ahoada East Local Government Area of the State.

“As a responsible Government, we cannot fold our arms and allow criminals and crimes to rear their ugly heads and thrive in any part of our State.

“Accordingly, upon the review of the entire incident and the security situation in the affected areas with the security agencies, we have decided on the following measures to bring the murderers of SP Bako to justice and arrest the deteriorating security situation in the Ahoada East Local Government:

“First, the prime suspects, Mr. Gift David Okpara Okpolowu (a.k.a. 2-Baba) and all members of his criminal gang are hereby declared wanted.

“Secondly, a bounty of one hundred million (N100,000,000.00) naira is hereby placed on his head for anyone who gives useful information that would lead to his arrest and prosecution.

“Thirdly, His Majesty, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi Eze Igbu Akoh II, is hereby suspended indefinitely for acts of complicity in ceding control of his territory to the notorious David Gift and his gang to freely operate and carry out their criminal activities.

“I reiterate our commitment to guaranteeing the security of all residents and assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to hunt down Gift David and his gang and bring them to justice.

Also Read:CSP Bako: The Team ran out of ammunition and was ambushed and killed

“Finally, on behalf of the Government and people of Rivers State, I hereby extend my profound condolences to the family of SP Bako, especially the wife and children and the State’s Police Command for this irreparable loss.

“SP Bako was a fine, brave and dutiful police officer, who gave up his life to keep us safe and secure. He died in active service to his nation and we remember him for his extraordinary bravery and sacrifice.

“The Government of Rivers State will not allow his family to suffer the pains of his sudden and irreplaceable loss alone as we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”