Cultists Accused of Killing 34-Year-Old Over Fake Alert for Drugs
The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended five suspected cultists for allegedly beating a 34-year-old man, Rowland Horsfall, to death. The suspects, who are reportedly members of the Iceland cult group, accused Horsfall of generating a fake bank alert after purchasing hard drugs from them in the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt.
Despite killing the victim, the gang demanded ransom from his family, collecting funds from his distressed mother under the pretense of releasing him, the police disclosed.
Mother’s Ordeal: Ransom Demanded After Son’s Death
In a statement on Tuesday, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, recounted the tragic events. She stated that Horsfall’s mother, Gloria Iyenemi George, was contacted by the abductors after her son had already been killed. Unaware of his fate, she transferred money to the suspects in a desperate attempt to secure his release.
According to Iringe-Koko:
“On November 1, 2024, at about 1410 hours, the police received a distressing report from Gloria Iyenemi George, who stated that her son, Rowland Speech Horsfall, aged 34, had left their home on September 10, 2024, for meetings on Dr. Peter Odili Road and GRA Port Harcourt. When he failed to return, Gloria contacted him at 9:00 p.m., and he assured her he was on his way back home. Shortly after, he became unreachable until September 11, when he informed her that he had been abducted, and his captors demanded ₦300,000 to release his phone.”
The abductors later escalated their ransom demand to ₦2.5 million. Desperate, Gloria transferred ₦300,000 to her son’s account to fulfill the captors’ demands. Despite the payment, Rowland remained in captivity.
Arrest and Confession
The police swung into action upon receiving the mother’s complaint. On November 3, 2024, operatives arrested the prime suspect, 23-year-old Endurance Friday Thompson, at his hideout in Woji Town. During interrogation, Thompson confessed to the crime, revealing chilling details.
“He disclosed that on September 11, 2024, he and his gang met the victim behind the Port Harcourt Zoo in Trans-Amadi. They held him captive, demanding ransom. However, when the ransom wasn’t fully paid, they beat him to death and dumped his body along Queens/Kings Bakery, Abuloma Road, Port Harcourt,” Iringe-Koko stated.
The victim’s remains were later recovered by the police and deposited at the mortuary.
Arrested Suspects and Police Efforts
Five suspects were arrested in connection to the crime:
- Endurance Friday Thompson (23)
- Boma Otonye, a.k.a. Excess Chief (41)
- David Link Ishaku, a.k.a. Biggy (34)
- Moses Nsikak Benjamin, a.k.a. Aboy (29)
- Emmanuel Aniete (32)
All suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime. The police have intensified their search for other fleeing members of the gang, with efforts underway to bring them to justice.
Police Advice and Community Reaction
Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko urged young people to remain vigilant, avoid suspicious individuals, and stay cautious of the company they keep to prevent falling victim to criminal activities. She emphasized that criminal elements remain active in the area, and people must exercise caution in their interactions.
The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, with residents calling for stricter measures to curb cult-related violence and ensure justice for the victim.
Next Steps
The police command has pledged to continue its investigation and has assured the public of its commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes in Rivers State. The arrested suspects are expected to face trial as the command works toward apprehending the remaining culprits involved in the heinous act.
