Five cultists were arrested in connection with the kidnapping and killing of Rowland Horsfall, a well-known entertainer in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, despite the suspects receiving ransom money.

Horsfall, known as Speech Horsfall, was a popular radio presenter and event host. He was abducted in September 2024 while in Port Harcourt. According to the Rivers State Police, the suspects were members of the Iceland cult group. They not only kidnapped the entertainer but also extorted ransom from his mother, even after he had been killed.

Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, shared that the suspects initially demanded N2.5 million as ransom. Horsfall’s mother unknowingly transferred N300,000 to his account, unaware that he had already been killed. Suspicious of the situation, she contacted the police, which led to an investigation.

The ordeal started on September 10, 2024, when Horsfall left his home in Peace Valley Estate, Woji, to attend meetings. He later called his mother, saying he was on his way back home. The following morning, Horsfall called again, saying he had been kidnapped and needed N300,000 to get his phone back. The demand later increased to N2.5 million, with the suspects sending threatening messages to his girlfriend, warning that Horsfall would be killed if the ransom was not paid.

Despite the N300,000 payment, Horsfall remained in captivity. The suspects killed him and dumped his body in the Abuloma area of Port Harcourt.

The police, following the mother’s complaint, arrested the main suspect, Endurance Friday Thompson, in November 2024. Thompson confessed to the crime, revealing that he and the other members of the gang had killed Horsfall after failing to get the full ransom. Four additional suspects were arrested: Boma Otonye, David Link Ishaku, Moses Nsikak Benjamin, and Emmanuel Aniete. All five suspects admitted their involvement in the crime.

The police are still looking for other gang members involved in the killing. In a statement, the police urged young people to be cautious about their associations and movements to avoid falling victim to criminal groups.

The police promised that all arrested suspects would face the full force of the law.