The Rivers State Police Command has made clarifications on the arrest of Mr. Davidson John on September 14, 2023, by the Cybercrime Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Command, which was widely circulated on social media video by one Israel Joe.
A statement on Saturday, September 23, 2023, signed by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said that the initial grounds for Mr. John’s arrest were rooted in allegations of involvement in cybercrime and ritualistic activities.
The statement read, “Subsequent to a comprehensive search of his residence at No. 6 Peace Avenue, Ogbelu, Rivers State, police operations discovered substantial sums of money in both domestic and foreign currencies concealed in his premises, notably atop the ceiling.
“Mr. John’s inability to provide a satisfactory account for the origin of this money led to his transfer to the SCID for further investigation. However, it came to light that the suspect had a urinary catheter in his stomach, necessitating a medical assessment. Upon consultation with a medical professional, it was determined that his health condition could not endure excessive stress, prompting a decision to release him into the custody of a reliable surety while investigations continued.
She also stated that “Mr. John’s father acted as his surety and requested financial assistance for his son’s medical needs. The Deputy Commissioner of Police granted a partial release of funds on compassionate grounds for the suspect’s healthcare, while the remaining amount was meticulously documented and entrusted to the exhibit keeper. Additionally, a gold necklace, reportedly obtained from an undisclosed woman, was also registered with the exhibit keeper.
The Command urged the public to ignore the misinformation presented by Israel Joe, recognizing it as a distortion of facts.
“It is important to emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and the Command intends to provide a comprehensive update to the public regarding its outcome in due course, the statement concluded.
