By Adedeji Fathia Bamidele (Siwes student, Ogun State Institute of Technology Igbesa OGITECH)
Barikui Amanyie, a 35-year-old suspected cult leader known as Lawyer, has been successfully arrested by a police detachment in Rivers after an extensive manhunt.
The Police Command spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest in a statement, revealing that Amanyie and his notorious gang, operating under the name Iceland, were responsible for multiple attacks and killings in the state.
Amanyie had been on the police watchlist since December 31, 2021, following the murder of Mr. Lioneda Lebari, who was tracked and attacked by the gang after withdrawing N150,000 from a local thrift collector.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspect had been evading arrest by frequently changing hideouts but was eventually apprehended on December 20 in Eleme.
Items recovered from Amanyie included locally made pistols and items believed to be charms.
The suspect confessed to the crime and has been charged with two counts of murder and cultism.
The Police Commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu, commended the prompt response of the command and urged officers to continue the campaign against crime.
Efforts to apprehend other members of the gang are ongoing, with the commissioner vowing justice for the murder of Lebari.
