The Rivers State Police Command has dismissed Police Sergeant, Johnbosco Okoroeze, for allegedly helping suspected ritual killer, Ifeanyi Dike, who escaped from the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Port Harcourt.
Okoroeze was also arraigned before a chief magistrate’s court on two counts of obstruction of justice and conspiracy. No bail was granted to him, he remains in police custody for the alleged offences.
Chief Magistrate, Sokari Andrew-Jaja, cautioned the dismissed Sergeant as he cried uncontrollably inside the court. The prime suspect, Ifeanyi Dike raped, killed and removed the organs of 8 year old Victory Nmezuwuba, before he was arrested.
Okoroeze, who was the Investigating Police Officer, said he temporarily removed Dike’s handcuffs while he took his statement, but that Dike escaped from his custody in the covers of the dark.
The victim’s father, Dr Ernest Nmezuwuba, who was also in the charge room while Dike was supposed to write his statement said there was no power supply in the area at that time and that he had to rely on candlelight during that time.
The suspect, Dike, reportedly escaped from Okoroeze’s custody and his whereabouts has still remained unknown. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Zaki, ordered the dismissal and arraignment of Okoroeze for criminal conspiracy.
According to Punchng, when Okoroeze was arraigned and presented to the magistrate’s court in handcuffs, he cried profusely. He said: “What have I done to myself? What did I do? Call my wife for me.”
