September 18, (THEWILL) – Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have neutralised one Chukwumela Imela, alias “Boy Satan”, the ruthless leader of a five-man gang responsible for a wave of car snatching, burglary, and rape in various areas of Port Harcourt.
A statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the gang’s notorious activities had terrorised residents of Ada-George, Iwofe, Ogbogoro, Egbelu, Diobu, D-line, GRA II, and Borikiri, with over 10 cars snatched at gunpoint in the past three months.
“Boy Satan”, a recidivist with four previous convictions for cultism, rape, and armed robbery, had earned his moniker due to his merciless nature, killing both rivals and allies. His criminal history dates back to 2009 when he joined the Iceland cult group alongside his childhood friend, Precious Adiele.
According to the Police, In 2022, Imela defected to a rival group, “La Mendians Bobos” after a dispute over loot sharing. To mark his defection, he brutally macheted Precious Adiele to death.
“Imela’s violent exploits included attacking a businessman, George, in 2012, demanding his phone and inflicting machete cuts when he discovered it wasn’t an Android device. George was rescued by local vigilante Aniefiok David, who fought off Imela and took the injured victim for treatment.
“This act earned Aniefiok David a spot on Imela’s hit list. Imela trailed and eventually shot David in the chest with a locally-made pistol. David retaliated, hacking off Imela’s left hand at the wrist.
“Imela’s first imprisonment stemmed from this incident. Upon release, he continued his criminal activities, leading to three additional imprisonments.
“The attention of the Command was drawn to Imela’s gang after they robbed Timothy Musa of his Toyota Camry on April 17, 2024. The gang used the vehicle to loot shops and houses before selling it to an Alhaji, still at large.
“On June 5, 2024, the gang struck again, snatching another Toyota Camry and shooting the owner, who later succumbed to his injuries.
“While Acting on credible intelligence, the Octopus strike force, aided by Diobu vigilantes, intercepted the gang on June 8, 2024, using a Keke-bus (minivan) in Diobu. Junior Moses Eyimode, the gang’s driver, was arrested, and the minivan recovered.
“A gun battle ensued when police pursued the fleeing gang members to their hideout in New Road, Borikiri. Imela and another gang member were neutralised, and one Beretta pistol and two locally made revolvers were recovered.
“The police recovered two additional stolen cars, and investigations continue to recover more vehicles and apprehend fleeing gang members.”
