Rivers Police gives details on suspect in failed Port Harcourt bombing

Rivers State Police have provided new details about the suspect arrested in connection with a failed bombing attempt in Port Harcourt.

The incident occurred on June 25 when a substance believed to be dynamite exploded near the Presidential Hotel on Aba Expressway, causing widespread panic.

Two months after the incident, the State Police Command identified the suspect as a member of the Vikings Confraternity, a notorious cult group.

“Preye, who has undergone three major surgeries and has made a significant recovery, will soon be charged to a Court of competent jurisdiction after the investigations are completed,” she said.

“Preye, who was evasive to Police arrest, was identified as the dynamite detonating expert of the gang. The suspect had also informed operatives of the Command that the explosion was a result of a dynamite. He is a member of the Vikings Confraternity. Efforts are still ongoing to arrest others involved in the crime.”

Below is the full statement:

Update on Explosions in Port Harcourt

Port Harcourt, August 16, 2024

On August 12th, 2024, at approximately 12:30 am, the Rivers State Police Command received a distress call reporting a loud explosion at the Action Peoples Party (APP) secretariat located in Tombia Extension, GRA Phase 2, Port Harcourt.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, and a team of tactical units with experts from the Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD/Anti-Bomb) Squad were immediately mobilized to the scene to assess the situation. The team cordoned off the area and commenced Explosive Ordinance Disposal Procedures and search operations.

The Command’s EOD experts identified a crater created in front of the building where the device was placed, causing shockwaves and damaging the glass of the windows and doors.

Eyewitness accounts around the time the explosion was heard revealed that a car had been parked a few meters from the APP Secretariat, and two men had alighted from the car, walked to the building, and ignited the suspected device before throwing it at the secretariat. They then re-entered the vehicle and drove off.

The discovery of a crater and other pieces of evidence, as well as eyewitness accounts, indicate the detonation of an explosive device. Thankfully, no loss of life was recorded, but damage was done to the front of the building. Samples from the site of the explosion have been taken for further forensic investigation. Operatives of the Command have been detailed to intensify efforts to investigate and apprehend all suspects involved in this incident.

Regarding the previous explosion that occurred along the Port Harcourt – Aba Expressway on June 25th, 2024, the arrested suspect who sustained serious bodily injuries and has since been undergoing treatment has been identified as Preye Josiah, alias Metusah, aged 40 years and a native of Kabiama Community of Sagbama LGA.

Investigations revealed that Preye Josiah has been on the Police wanted list for participating in some high-profile bank robberies led by one Daniel Gogo, alias Full Payment, between 2012 and 2016, where three AK47 rifles, a Lar rifle, 360 rounds of live ammunition, 20 magazines, five dynamites, two pistols, a rifle servicing equipment, and three exotic cars were recovered in Bayelsa State by Operatives of the then IGP-IRT.

Preye, who was evasive to Police arrest, was identified as the dynamite detonating expert of the gang. The suspect had also informed operatives of the Command that the explosion was a result of a dynamite. He is a member of the Vikings Confraternity.

Efforts are still ongoing to arrest others involved in the crime.

Preye, who has undergone three major surgeries and has made a significant recovery, will soon be charged to a Court of competent jurisdiction after the investigations are completed.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, urges members of the public to be vigilant when such cases of explosion occur and to steer clear of the vicinity, as there is a tendency of another device being present.

In the event of an explosion or suspicions of one, the public is advised to call the police on the following numbers:

08036219523

08032003514

SP Grace Iringe-Koko (ANIPR)

Police Public Relations Officer

Rivers State Police Command

18/8/2024