Police arrest 13 over attack on journalist in Port Harcourt

Police in Rivers State have detained 13 individuals in connection with the assault of a journalist in Port Harcourt, as authorities intensify efforts to curb crime in the area.

The arrests followed an incident involving a correspondent with Classic FM, Mr Allwell Ene, who was reportedly attacked while carrying out an independent investigation into criminal activities around the Garrison axis of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olugenga Adepoju, had earlier ordered a full probe into the attack and the wider pattern of criminality in the neighbourhood.

Providing an update, the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, confirmed that the suspects were apprehended after coordinated operations by police teams.

Agabe said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt that the journalist was targeted while documenting activities in a location described by authorities as a known crime hotspot.

“The facts available indicate that one journalist, Mr Allwell Ene, while conducting a solo investigative activity in an area marked as black spot, known for criminal activities and constantly raided by police was attacked and physically assaulted by suspected hoodlums for video recording them.

“Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Olu-Obasanjo Division swiftly mobilised operatives to the scene to rescue the journalist.

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, operatives of the command have been jointly carrying out coordinated operations within the Olu-Obasanjo axis and adjoining 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 ongoing and efforts are being intensified to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.”