The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a suspected serial rapist, Israel Tamunokuro, who allegedly lured women through dating sites to hotels, where he committed sexual assault and stole their valuables.
Tamunokuro, 34, a resident of Golf Estate on Odili Road, reportedly drugged his victims and coerced them into revealing their ATM PINs, subsequently draining their bank accounts.
His arrest was made possible by intelligence gathered by the Octopus Tactical Unit, who caught him at a hotel just as he was about to target another potential victim, unaware that the police were monitoring his activities.
The police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrest to the media on Sunday, March 30, 2025, stating that an investigation is currently underway.
“The suspect, Israel Tamunokuro, 34, is known for his criminal activities involving luring unsuspecting women through social media platforms, particularly dating sites, to hotel rooms where he drugs, rapes, and robs them of their phones and other valuables,” the PPRO stated.
“He further exploits his victims by coaxing them to disclose their ATM passwords, subsequently emptying their bank accounts while they remain unconscious.
“Upon completing his illicit activities, Israel Tamunokuro sells stolen phones, jewellery, and other valuables to two identified receivers, Obere, who operates at Garrison Bus Stop, and Godwin, who operates around Location Bus Stop, Ada George Road
“These accomplices remain at large and are currently being pursued by law enforcement authorities.”
The suspect admitted to committing crimes in several cities, including Warri, Asaba, Awka, and Port Harcourt, during questioning.
“He admitted to stealing over 18 mobile phones within the past six months, which he sold for prices as high as N300,000 each.
“Further investigations revealed that he had been engaged in these criminal acts since 2017 and had previously been incarcerated in 2021 for similar offences.
"The arrest of Israel Tamunokuro followed his last attempted crime, which began on December 28, 2024
"Engineer Shola" was a fake name used by someone to trick another person online. This person pretended to be friendly and gained the trust of the other person. Then, they convinced them to meet at a hotel on Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt.
“After executing his usual scheme, he fled the scene, leaving his victim unconscious. His criminal activities continued until January 25, 2025, when he targeted another woman who, unbeknownst to him, had connections to a previous victim," the PPRO said.
Acting on a tip, police swiftly apprehended the suspect at the hotel before he could put his plan into action.
“Further investigations have revealed that Israel Tamunokuro is an accomplice to a convicted rapist, Dike Belema, with whom he has collaborated for the past eight years."
She implied that authorities are actively pursuing all those connected to this case. The suspects currently in custody will face charges in court once the investigation is complete.