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Five men have been arrested in Bayelsa State in connection with the alleged killing of a 38-year-old man following an accusation of rape in Otuoke community, police have said.
The suspects were picked up after officers from the Kolo Divisional Headquarters responded to a distress call on Kakatar Road, Otuoke, at about 3.30pm on 22 February.
A lifeless male body was found at the scene and later deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Otuoke.
In a statement on Monday, the Bayelsa State Police Command said the deceased, identified as Samuel Ofiri, a native of Otuoke in Ogbia Local Government Area, was allegedly taken to an apartment on Kakatar Road where he was tortured by a group of men, leading to his death.
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Police named the suspects as Stanley Inemugha, 21; Ipagaro Memidin, 21; Kingsley Taribo, 25; Boye Easter, 22, all from Otakeme community in Ogbia LGA, and Preye Timbiri, 40, of Otuoke community.
According to preliminary findings, Ofiri was accused of raping a woman before the alleged assault occurred.
Officers said the five suspects were arrested during a follow-up operation in the area.
The suspects are being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations, police added.
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police cautioned residents against mob action and “jungle justice,” urging the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.