Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have successfully apprehended Barikui Amanyie, a suspected leader of the notorious cult group Iceland, in a significant crackdown on cult-related activities in the state. Amanyie, aged 35, is accused of involvement in the murder of Lioneda Lebari and various acts of terrorizing residents in the Eleme local government area.

Barikui Amanyie, also known as ‘Lawyer’, hails from the Kaani community in the Khana local government area. He had been a significant figure on the police watchlist for his alleged reign of terror in the Eleme region. The arrest was executed following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, urging all tactical units of the command to intensify their efforts in apprehending listed criminals.

On December 31, 2021, Amanyie and five other members of his gang reportedly tracked and murdered Lioneda Lebari after he withdrew his annual savings of NGN150,000 from a local thrift collector. The incident, which occurred at the Oil-Mill junction, saw Lebari attacked and stabbed multiple times, leading to his untimely death.

Prior to his arrest, Amanyie had been evading capture by frequently changing hideouts. However, on December 20, acting on a tip-off, the Anti Kidnapping Unit of the Rivers State Police swooped into action and successfully apprehended Amanyie in his hideout at Eleme. The police also recovered locally made pistols and items suspected to be charms from the suspect.

Amanyie has since confessed to the crime and now faces a two-count charge of murder and cultism. While he is in custody, investigations continue as the police work diligently to apprehend the remaining members of his gang.

The Commissioner of Police expressed his satisfaction with the prompt and effective action of the Rivers State Police Command in dealing with individuals on the police watchlist. He encouraged the force not to relent in their efforts to combat crime, signaling that the command is making significant strides in reducing criminality in the state.

This arrest marks a significant victory for the Rivers State Police Command in their ongoing battle against cultism and crime, sending a strong message to other criminal elements operating within the state​​​​.

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