Notorious cultist, Gift David Okpara, also known as General 2Baba, who was declared wanted for the killing of Ahoada DPO, SP Bako Angbashim has denied any involvement in the crime.
In a voice note he released, 2baba said he spoke to the DPO hours before his death.
"I want to inform the Rivers State government that I bear no responsibility for the death of the DPO,” he said.
“I have chosen to remain silent about this matter until now, but I am addressing it today in response to the concerns raised by the public.
“I am surprised and have decided to let my people know that I was not involved in any harm to the DPO.
“Coincidentally, the incident occurred on a road within my community, and on the day it happened, I had a discussion with the late DPO. I wasn't even present when the incident occurred; I was just shocked when I heard about it.”
2baba also spoke on why his gang picked up arms after they were granted amnesty by the last administration.
In his words, “We turned in all the rifles we had to the government, while our opposition refused to surrender theirs.
“Eventually, I realized that the government took no action against the opposition group, and I began to regret our decision to surrender our weapons.
“This created an opportunity for them to attack and kill our members. They killed my biological brother and burnt down our house.
“This was my annoyance so I decided to go back to carrying arms.’’
The suspect, who now claims to be a freedom fighter for Ekpeye youth, denied accusations of kidnapping, illegal bunkering, and other crimes leveled against him.
“The gunplay I went for, was not to intimidate or harm anyone. Everyone knows I am not into kidnapping and illegal oil refining business.
“I am not involved in criminal activities. I am into business. I am just concentrating on my dredging business, and everyone is aware that I am into dredging,” he said.
The wanted suspect also said he is self-sponsored and not bankrolled by a traditional ruler, as claimed.
The Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, declared 2Baba and his gang wanted and placed a N100 million bounty on him about three months ago following the killing of a Divisional Police Officer on 8 September.
Over fifty people, including three traditional rulers, are standing trial for the officer’s death.
