Justice Served: Rivers Police Arrest Suspect in Brutal Assault Case

In a swift display of justice, the Rivers State Police Command has apprehended 46-year-old Abi Baragon, the prime suspect in a shocking assault that left a woman critically injured. The incident, which unfolded in Port Harcourt earlier this year, ignited widespread outrage after a harrowing video of the attack went viral on social media platforms.

The Incident That Shook Port Harcourt

The assault occurred on June 20, 2025, when Baragon allegedly stabbed his lover, identified as Orineme Ayanate, multiple times following a heated altercation. According to police investigations, the violence erupted after Ayanate discovered Baragon was already married with four children—a fact he had concealed from her. When she rejected his subsequent marriage proposal, the situation escalated into a brutal attack that nearly cost her life.

Eyewitness accounts and the viral footage depicted Ayanate in distress, crying out for help as Baragon fled the scene. The video quickly spread across social media, prompting public outcry and calls for immediate action from law enforcement.

From Viral Video to Arrest: A Race Against Time

Upon receiving the distressing report, operatives from the Human Rights Department at the Rivers State Police Headquarters in Port Harcourt sprang into action. Leveraging intelligence-led policing and advanced technical support, they tracked down and arrested Baragon on October 13, 2025—nearly four months after the incident.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest in a press release today. She detailed how the command’s commitment to victim protection and thorough investigation led to this breakthrough. “The victim is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Port Harcourt, while the suspect remains in custody,” Iringe-Koko stated.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended his team for their professionalism and thanked members of the public for providing crucial tips. “If anyone commits a crime and runs away, the Police will catch up with you,” he warned, emphasizing the command’s zero-tolerance stance on gender-based violence.

A Stark Reminder of Domestic Violence Realities

This case underscores the pervasive dangers of intimate partner violence, particularly when deception and rejection collide. Preliminary probes reveal that Baragon’s hidden marital status fueled the rage that led to the stabbing. Ayanate’s refusal to proceed with the relationship, upon learning the truth, triggered the assault—highlighting the urgent need for awareness and support systems for women in similar predicaments.

The Rivers State Police Command has reiterated its dedication to justice, assuring the public that perpetrators of such crimes have “no hiding place.” As Baragon faces charges of assault occasioning harm, advocates hope this arrest sends a strong message: violence will not be tolerated, and accountability is non-negotiable.

Written by Gold Oyeniran