20 arrested in Rivers for attacking cop linked to drugs

Rivers Police Arrest Over 20 in Nkpolu/Rumuigbo After Officer’s Public Humiliation

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested more than 20 people in Nkpolu/Rumuigbo, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, following the public humiliation of a police officer, Joshua Nyian, and two others by local youths.

The community’s Youth President, Owhonda Chamberlain, had paraded the officer and the two men, accusing them of involvement in hard drug transactions—an activity the youths claim is banned in the area.

However, police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko rejected the allegations, insisting that Officer Nyian had no link to drug dealings. According to the command, the incident stemmed from a personal dispute involving a woman, not drugs.

The police said Chamberlain and his group ignored an invitation for questioning, prompting operatives from the Commissioner of Police Monitoring Unit to conduct mass arrests. Those picked up included the local vigilante leader, several members of the group, and individuals who filmed the incident. They were first taken to the state police headquarters before being moved to the CP Monitoring Unit in Old GRA, Port Harcourt, for further investigation.

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In response, Chamberlain dismissed the police account as “a cover-up,” insisting the officer was targeted as part of the community’s anti-drug campaign. He denied claims that the dispute was linked to a woman, stressing that the alleged lover was his relative and that cultural norms forbid such a relationship.

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He further denied extorting the officer, challenging both sides to release their bank records after allegations surfaced that he forced Nyian to transfer ₦78,000 to his account.

Chamberlain also raised alarm over threats to his life since the incident, urging authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation.