Three gang members of suspected rapist targeting young women online have been arrested by the Rivers State Police Command having kidnapped and molested one Ogechi (28), in Elele, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Penpushing reports the Command Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko told journalists that the police had been tracking the gang, resulting in the arrest of a 32-year-old resident of Igoni Street, Abuloma, linked to the crime.
“Investigations revealed that Louise Brutolu engaged his victims through phone chats, inviting them to meet him at Pacific Suite Hotel in Abuloma, Rivers. After booking a room, the suspect drugs his victims, rendering them unconscious before disposing them of their valuables.
Penpushing further reports that Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, explained that the police anti-kidnapping unit swung into action to capture Brutolu after the incident was reported, adding that substances used by the suspect to incapacitate his victims before disposing them of their valuables were recovered.
‘Operatives recovered the substances used by the suspect to incapacitate his victims before disposing them of their valuables. During interrogation, Brutolu identified the gang leader, who was subsequently arrested after several months of persistent investigation. Various items belonging to different victims, such as 21 mobile phones, three female handbags, and receipt booklets, were found in possession of the gang leader,” she added.
Penpushing also reports that the police spokesperson, however, kept mute on the gang leader’s identity, stressing that the suspects had previously faced charges for similar offences in 2021, adding that in similar development a 28-year-old Jemifor Timi was arrested for his alleged involvement in several rape cases of young women in the state.
“Timi specialises in enticing women and Bolt and Uber drivers through social media platforms like Instagram, Tinder, and Badoo. After selecting victims who flaunt expensive phones on social media, the suspect invites them to his hotel rooms and offers them drinks. Following the consumption of drinks spiked with tramadol, Timi proceeds to rape and rob them of their belongings’, she added
Penpushing reports that Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspect had been engaged in these crimes for three years and had been previously arrested and charged twice, urging residents, particularly young women, to be cautious of kidnappers and rapists who exploit popular messaging platforms to lure victims.
“Personal safety should be a priority, with individuals insisting on meeting strangers in public places and informing family and friends about their whereabouts,” she advised.
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