A man identified as Chigozie Okpara was apprehended by members of a local vigilante group on Sunday night in the Okujagu community, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for his alleged involvement in homosexual activities with an underage boy.
According to a resident of the area who spoke to PUNCH Metro on condition of anonymity, the suspect, believed to be in his 40s and claiming to work in the security department of a company in Port Harcourt, would lure young boys with food and snacks before sexually assaulting them.
The source revealed that during interrogation by the vigilante group, Okpara confessed to being homosexual and admitted to engaging in such acts. He disclosed that he had previously resided in Lagos before relocating to Port Harcourt two years ago.
Luck ran out for Okpara when residents heard screams from his room while he was with one of his victims, prompting them to alert the vigilante group.
Describing the apprehension, a vigilante member stated, “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.”
A video obtained by correspondents depicted the interrogation of Okpara by the vigilante and some residents, during which he confessed to the crime.
In his confession, the remorseful-looking suspect, who hails 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. He emphasized that he was neither married nor had a girlfriend.
Meanwhile, the victim, whose words were not audible in the video, reportedly shared his ordeal with the vigilante, while another boy revealed how Okpara would entice innocent boys with snacks and food.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, assured that Okpara, already in custody, would be prosecuted as investigation into the case continues.
