By Paul Joseph
A suspected rapist identified as Goodnews has reportedly outsmarted the Nigerian police and escaped from custody while being escorted by an Investigating Police Officer (IPO) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to reports, the suspect was earlier arrested by operatives of the police in Rumudomaya and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Port Harcourt, last week over allegations that he defiled a 16-year-old girl in the Rukpokwu area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday at Apu Road, Rukpokwu.
It was gathered that the suspect escaped during a visit to the crime scene as part of ongoing investigations. He was said to have been taken to the victim’s compound when the escape occurred under unclear circumstances.
A source explained that confusion began when the suspect, who was not handcuffed at the time, allegedly struggled with a locked door during the visit. Moments later, the Investigating Police Officer reportedly discovered that the suspect had fled the scene.
The father of the victim, identified as Mr. Prince, told journalists that he briefly left to fetch a hammer after suggesting it could help break the padlock, only to return and be informed that the suspect had escaped.
“I ran towards the direction the IPO said he followed, but I did not see him,” he said.
The development has sparked outrage among residents and legal observers, with a lawyer describing the incident as “extremely ridiculous” and a serious failure of police duty, warning that it could undermine public trust in law enforcement if the suspect is not re-arrested.
The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the escape, stating that efforts were underway to re-arrest the fleeing suspect as investigations continue.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the suspect as the case continues to draw public attention across the state.
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