A suspected homosexual identified as Chigozie Okpara was arrested on Sunday night by members of a local vigilante group for allegedly engaging in sexual activity with an underage boy in the Okujagu community, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
A resident of the area informed PUNCH Metro that the man, who is in his 40s, claimed to work in the security department of a company in Port Harcourt and would typically entice his unsuspecting victims with food and snacks before sexually abusing them.
The source, who requested anonymity, revealed that during interrogation by the vigilante, the man confessed to being homosexual and admitted to engaging in such acts. He added that he resided in Lagos before relocating to Port Harcourt two years ago.
Luck ran out for him when residents heard screaming from his room while he was with one of his victims, prompting them to alert the vigilante group.
The source stated that one of the vigilantes described how they apprehended the suspect. The vigilante was quoted as saying, “He lured the boy into his house and was engaging in the act while the boy was screaming. That’s when they called our attention, and we went there, broke into the house, and found them (the man and his victim).
“That night we took him and handed him over to the police. He is currently in police custody.”
Meanwhile, a video seen by our correspondent depicted the interrogation of the suspect by the vigilante and some residents, during which he confessed to the crime.
The remorseful-looking man, who stated he is from Imo State, admitted to engaging in such acts while in Lagos but claimed the recent victim was the first he had abused in the community, emphasising that he was neither married nor had a girlfriend.
The suspect said, “This particular boy I knew from where I’m working in security at JDP roundabout (along Odili Road in Port Harcourt).”
Another video seen by our correspondent featured the victim speaking to the vigilante, though his words were not audible when he was asked how long the man had been engaging in sexual activity with him.
It was also reported that another boy, whom the suspect attempted to lure using the same tactics, shared how the man would use snacks and food to entice innocent boys, mentioning that he personally declined the man’s offers of food, saying he was not hungry.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, adding that the suspect, who is already in custody, would be prosecuted.
Iringe-Koko said, “Yes, I can confirm the incident. The suspect has been arrested and is presently in our custody. Investigation is ongoing.
“The matter has been transferred to the State Criminal and Intelligence Department. We will ensure that the suspect is prosecuted.”