Police Name Suspect in Rivers Explosion: High-Profile Robber on Government Wanted List

The Rivers State Police Command has identified and arrested a suspect linked to the June 25 explosion that shook the Presidential Hotel area in Port Harcourt during a rally by some members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The event was in support of the police’s occupation of council secretariats.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Preye Josiah, also known as “Metusah,” hails from Kabiama Community in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Grace Eringe-Koko, Josiah allegedly detonated the explosive device that caused the blast. The suspect was injured in the explosion and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Josiah, a member of the Viking cult group, is also accused of being part of a notorious bank robbery gang led by one Daniel Gogo between 2012 and 2016. The police have confirmed that Josiah has been on their wanted list for several years. Eringe-Koko revealed that Josiah has undergone three major surgeries since his hospital admission and is currently responding well to treatment. Once investigations are complete, he will be charged in court.

“Regarding the explosion that occurred along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway on June 25, 2024, the arrested suspect, who sustained serious injuries, has been identified as Preye Josiah, alias Metusah, aged 40, and a native of Kabiama Community of Sagbama LGA,” said Eringe-Koko. She added that Josiah has been on the police wanted list for his involvement in several high-profile bank robberies, during which weapons and explosives were recovered.

The police also reported on a separate explosion at the All Progressives Party (APP) State Secretariat in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) last week. Witnesses claim two men exited a vehicle, approached the facility, and detonated an explosive device before fleeing the scene. The explosion caused significant damage to the building but no casualties were reported.

The Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid explosion sites, as there may be additional devices present. He also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.