Nigeria: Rivers police arrest 13 after journalist assaulted at Port Harcourt ‘black spot’

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Police in Rivers State have arrested 13 suspects following the assault of a journalist at a notorious crime hotspot in Port Harcourt.

The suspects were picked up around the Garrison area of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, a location police say is known for robbery, phone theft, and harassment of residents.

Classic FM correspondent Mr. Allwell Ene was attacked while conducting a solo investigation in the area. According to police, he was physically assaulted by suspected hoodlums after he was seen recording video at the location, which has been repeatedly raided by officers due to criminal activity.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugenga Adepoju, ordered an immediate investigation after the incident. 

Confirming the arrests, Police Public Relations Officer Blessing Agabe said officers from the Olu-Obasanjo Division were first to respond. “The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Olu-Obasanjo Division swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene to rescue the journalist,” Agabe said in a statement on Monday.

She added that joint operations are now ongoing across the Olu-Obasanjo axis and surrounding areas. “Currently, a total of 13 suspects have been arrested. The suspects are believed to be involved in various criminal activities, including phone theft and the harassment of law-abiding members of the public.”

Investigations are still underway, with police saying efforts are being intensified to ensure all those involved face justice.

The Garrison area has long been flagged by residents and authorities as a black spot for street crime.