Rape Suspect Escapes Police Custody in Rivers State

A male suspect identified as Goodnews, who allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl in Rupokwu, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State, escaped from police custody last week. The incident occurred during a visit to the crime scene as part of the investigation.

The suspect had been previously arrested by the Special Area Rumudomaya and transferred to the State CID in Port Harcourt. Mr. Princ, the father of the victim, reported that the police were not properly securing the suspect, as he was not handcuffed.

During the investigation, the police faced difficulties opening a padlock to a door, leading Mr. Princ to suggest using a hammer to break it open. When the hammer was brought, the suspect managed to escape.

Gbenga Oladapo, the Executive Director of the Justice Initiative, described the police's actions as ridiculous and a betrayal of the victim's family. The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Bless Agab, confirmed the escape and stated that efforts would be made to rearrest the suspect.