How Uber driver was lured by passenger to shrine, murdered

The Rivers State Police Command has uncovered how an Uber driver, Oghenevwarhe Barry Akpobome, was booked by a passenger, taken to a shrine and murdered for alleged ritual Purposes. The disappearance caused police to launch an investigation, leading to the arrest of Anthony Chima, who is 35 years old.

Chima is a graduate of Political Science from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

While fielding questions from police detectives, Chima revealed that he was recruited into a gang that specialised in luring cab drivers into ambushes, snatching their vehicles, and murdering them for ritual purposes and organ harvesting.

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He further said that he was initiated into the crime by his friend, Amfoh Abu, who ensured he was given the role of an armourer for the gang.

He also mentioned a man known as Reason, a notorious ringleader, and General Effizy, a prominent figure in the Greenland cult and a seasoned kidnapper, as part of the gang.

The spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command and a Superintendent of Police, Grace Iringe-Koko, said: “On that fateful day, he was summoned to Reason’s residence and instructed to call a driver whose number he had previously collected. 

“Posing as a passenger, Chima lured  Akpobome to a remote area in Aminigboko, where he and Reason were met by General Effizy and four other gang members.

“The driver was forcibly removed from the vehicle and taken to Effizy’s shrine, where he was bound, gagged, and ultimately murdered. 

“Chima’s involvement in the gruesome act was confirmed when the police, following his confession, recovered the victim’s skull and a locally fabricated Beretta pistol from Effizy’s residence.”

The confessions of Chima sent shockwaves down the spines of many, prompting the Command’s Commissioner, CP Tunji Disu, to advise both citizens and Uber drivers.

Disu urged them to exercise caution when boarding or transporting passengers, especially to remote or potentially dangerous areas.

The CP added that the investigation was ongoing, with the authorities still searching for the fleeing suspects involved in the chilling criminal enterprise.

“The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the shadows, and the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the public in maintaining the safety of all citizens,” said Disu.