Rivers Police Nab Suspected Serial Rapist from Dating Apps

Arrest Made: Serial Rapist Targeting Women on Social Media

​The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a 34-year-old man, Israel Tamunokuro, suspected of being a serial rapist who allegedly exploited dating sites and social media platforms to lure women into hotel rooms.

According to reports, Tamunokuro would drug his victims, sexually assault them, and then rob them of their valuables, including mobile phones and jewelry. He also coerced them into revealing their ATM PINs to withdraw funds from their accounts while they were unconscious.

The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Octopus Tactical Unit, who tracked him to a hotel where he was planning to meet another potential victim. During interrogation, Tamunokuro confessed to committing similar crimes in various cities, including Warri, Asaba, Awka, and Port Harcourt.

He admitted to stealing over 18 mobile phones in the past six months, selling some for as much as ₦300,000 each. Further investigations revealed that he had been engaged in these criminal activities since 2017 and had previously been incarcerated in 2021 for similar offenses.

The police have identified two alleged accomplices, known as Obere and Godwin, who are suspected of purchasing stolen items from Tamunokuro. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend these individuals.