In a heartbreaking turn of events, the lifeless body of a renowned fashion designer has been recovered in Rivers State, weeks after his abduction by suspected sea pirates—despite a ransom payment of N2 million.
Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death of Hope Georgewill, the CEO of HMG Attitude Ltd, who was kidnapped on March 26, 2025, alongside two other passengers on a boat journey along the Cotton Channel in Bakana River, Degema Local Government Area.
According to police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko, Georgewill’s abductors went ahead to kill him even after collecting a ransom of N2 million. The deceased’s body was later discovered and deposited at a morgue.
Investigations led police operatives to launch a tactical raid on April 3, 2025, at the kidnappers’ hideout situated in a creek off the Bonny Waterway. The operation, carried out by the Anti-Cultism Unit in Emohua, followed credible intelligence obtained from two suspects earlier arrested in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Upon arrival at the scene, the operatives were ambushed by gunmen but responded with heavy fire. Four suspects were shot—two fatally during the gun battle and two others while trying to escape amid the chaos.
These two were later captured with gunshot wounds and taken to the Police Clinic for emergency care, where they were declared dead on arrival. Their bodies have been deposited for autopsy.
In the course of combing the area, police recovered several weapons, including one operational speedboat, an 80-horsepower and a 70-horsepower outboard engine, food supplies, and a mobile phone belonging to the late Georgewill—though the SIM card had been removed.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, described the outcome as a major victory against criminal elements terrorizing the waterways. He reiterated the command’s resolve to rid Rivers State of pirates and kidnappers.
“Further investigations are ongoing,” said Iringe-Koko, promising the public will be updated with any new developments as they emerge.
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