Police Nab Suspected Sea Pirates Behind Brutal K!lling of Fashion Designer

In a dramatic turn of events, the long arm of justice has begun to close in on the k!llers of beloved fashion designer, Hope Georgewill, whose tragic abduction and murder shook the Rivers fashion and creative community to its core. 

Georgewill, the visionary behind HMG Attitude Ltd., was abducted by sea pirates on March 26, 2025, while traveling by boat from Elem Kalabari to Port Harcourt. What began as a routine journey turned into a nightmare when he and two others were hijacked on the Cotton Channel, Bakana River—a route increasingly plagued by maritime crime. 

The assailants initially demanded ₦10 million in ransom. Despite his family’s desperate efforts, including paying ₦2 million, Georgewill was heartlessly murdered just two days later. His lifeless body was later recovered and sent to the morgue—sparking widespread outrage and calls for swift justice. 

On April 22, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed that key suspects connected to Georgewill’s death had been arrested in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Acting on intelligence from the arrest, the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) launched a tactical operation into the pirates' creek hideout off the Bonny Waterway. 

What followed could have been straight out of a thriller. 

Upon arrival, officers were met with intense gunfire. In a fierce exchange, two members of the gang were fatally shot, while others escaped with injuries into the mangroves. The two previously arrested suspects, who had led the police to the hideout, attempted to flee amid the chaos but were quickly subdued—suffering gunshot wounds in the process. 

Among the items recovered during the combing of the hideout were: A high-powered speedboat, two outboard engines (80HP and 70HP), Georgewill’s mobile phone (SIM card removed), a live cartridge and various food supplies used by the gang during their captivity operation. 

All wounded suspects were rushed to the police clinic but were declared dead on arrival. 

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, praised the bravery and commitment of his officers. He described the development as a “major breakthrough” in the war against piracy and organized crime that has long plagued the region’s waterways. 

"We are committed to cleansing our creeks and communities of criminal elements," CP Adepoju affirmed. "This operation sends a strong message: there’s no safe haven for those who terrorize innocent citizens." 

As investigations continue and the net tightens around the remaining fugitives, Rivers State—and indeed the entire country watches closely, hoping that justice for Hope Georgewill will be fully served.