The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old serial rapist who specialises in luring his victims online to hotel rooms where he drugs them unconscious, rapes and waylay their valuables.
The Police said they began trailing the suspect on July 1, 2023, after a 28 year old female identified as Agor Ogechi living at Elele community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, was reportedly abducted.
The Police in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer for the state Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko on Tuesday, identified the prime suspect as Louise Brutolu, adding that he was nabbed by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
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Iringe-Koko, said, “Investigations revealed that the suspect, identified as Louise Brutolu ‘M,’ a 32-year-old resident of Igoni Street, Abuloma, employed the use of phone chat to lure his victims to the Pacific Suite Hotel, Abuloma.
“Upon booking a room, the suspect drugged the victims, rendering them unconscious, and subsequently stole their valuables. In the case of Agor Ogechi, her iPhone, a sum of twenty-eight thousand Naira, and her ATM card were reported stolen.”
Iringe-Koko, further disclosed that the police that the suspect following interrogation had provided valuable information to the police leading to the arrest of ring leader, whom identity had been concealed by the police police for security reasons.
“Acting on the victim’s complaint, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit promptly initiated an operation that culminated in the arrest of Louise Brutolu. During the arrest, the substance used to drug the victims was successfully retrieved. The suspect has claimed to work for an unidentified master and has pledged cooperation in capturing the gang leader.
“After months of persistent investigation, the Rivers State Police Command successfully apprehended the gang leader, whose identity is being withheld for investigative purposes. As a result of this arrest, various items belonging to different victims were recovered, including twenty-one mobile phones, three female bags, and receipt booklets.
“It is noteworthy that the gang leader had previously been arrested in 2021 for similar offenses and was charged in court. The recurrence of such heinous crimes underscores the importance of continued vigilance and proactive measures in tackling the menace of online criminal activities.”
In a related development, the police had rounded up another 28 year old suspect, identified as Jemifor Timi Collins, skilled in luring his victims via social media platforms.
According to the police in a statement issued by the state command’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrested suspect, a native of Burutu in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, specialises in lacing his victims’ drinks with hard drugs, knocking them unconscious, before raping and robbing them.
Iringe-Koko added that the suspect not only target innocent women, but also robs e-hailing cab drivers in the state using same technique.
“The suspect specialized in luring individuals through social media platforms such as Instagram, Tinder, and Badoo. Notably, the suspect targeted not only women but also Bolt and Uber drivers.
“By exploiting their expensive phones displayed online, the suspect invited victims to hotel rooms where they were offered drinks laced with Tramadol, subsequently subjected to rape, and robbed of their belongings.
“Jemifor Timi Collins has been engaging in these criminal activities for over three years and has been arrested and charged to court on two previous occasions. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover further details and bring all responsible individuals to justice.”
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu had advised netizans in the state to be wary of individuals they met online.
Disu while assuring that the police command remains committed in providing protection and raising awareness about emerging crimes, advised social media users to always meet their acquaintances on safe venues.
“The Rivers State Police Command, under the leadership of Cp Olatunji Disu, strongly advises everyone, particularly the youths, to exercise caution when making friends online. It is crucial to prioritize personal safety by meeting new individuals in safe and public places.
“Additionally, individuals should inform their relatives and friends about their movements for added security. The police remain committed to providing protection and raising awareness about emerging crimes and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all residents.”
