A suspected rapist, identified only as Goodnews, has escaped from police custody in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while being escorted to the crime scene by an Investigating Police Officer (IPO).
The suspect was arrested last week by police operatives in Rumudomaya for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl on Apu Road, Rukpoku, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, and was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID).
According to the victim’s father, Mr. Prince, the incident occurred when the IPO brought the suspect to their compound for a scene visit. Despite being in custody, the suspect was not handcuffed and struggled to open his apartment door.
“I suggested we use a hammer to break the padlock. I took permission from the IPO and went to my apartment to get it,” Prince explained. “When I came back, the IPO told me the suspect had escaped.”
Prince expressed deep frustration, stating that he ran in the direction the officer claimed the suspect fled but was unable to locate him.
The spokesperson of the state police command, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident.
“Efforts are on to re-arrest the fleeing suspect as investigation is ongoing” he said