The Port Harcourt Local Government Authority Area (PLGA) Security Watch and policemen have arrested 12 suspected internet fraudsters popularly called “yahoo yahoo” for allegedly burying a newborn baby alive at Andoni waterfront in Eagle Island, Rivers State capital on Wednesday morning.
According to PLGA, the operation followed a tip-off and was carried out in conjunction with the Rivers State Neighbourhood Watch.
Chairman of PLGA Security Watch who doubles as Chief Security Officer of Eagle Island, Victor Ohaji, disclosed the incident to newsmen.
He said the vigilante in the area had reported seeing a group of boys conducting incantation and digging the ground by the waterfront, following which he alerted the Azikiwe Police Division in Diobi, Port Harcourt and the officials of the state neighborhood Agency.
Ohaji said he mobilised his men thereafter and went to the location but the suspects had left and on closer observation, it was discovered that the suspected ‘yahoo’ boys’ had buried something at the waterfront.
He said he directed his men to dig the ground, where they found the lifeless body of a newborn baby boy, which they exhumed.
Ohaji said together with the police and the neighbourhood men, they started a manhunt for the suspects and eventually sighted coming out of a hotel.
“We even moved from one hotel to another in the area, and lo and behold, we saw them coming out from a hotel. And as soon as we alighted from the car, they (suspects) started running.
“So, we chased after them and apprehended them. There were twelve of them. So we took them to the police station and the baby.”
Continuing, he said, “While we were there, the leader of this yahoo boys was shouting, ranting that his father is a Major General and that nothing will happen.
“He said even if they bury full human being, nothing will happen. The boy went on ranting that his father was coming. So we handed them to the police.”
Ohaji called on the Rivers State Government to assist the outfit with with vehicles and logistics to improve on the good work they are doing.
The spokesperson of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, saying an investigation was ongoing.
