Niger Delta

Six Arraigned Over Murder Of Aspirant

Published

15 years ago

January 14, 2011

Six prime suspects of the murder of Dr. Akpan Ekpo Udo, an aspirant to Mkpat Enin State House of Assembly seat in Akwa Ibom State have been arraigned in a Chief Magistrate Court in Uyo.

They are Hon. Bernard Udoh, a three-term representative of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Ekong Sampson, incumbent representative of Mkpat Enin State Constituency and Hon. Mfon Eno Nkanteen, chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.

Others are Hon. Enobong Udobong leader of Mkpat Enin legislative council, Hon. Ubong Ekwere, Mkpat Secretary and one other member of Mkpat Enin Local Government Executive Council whose name was not yet ascertained as at press time.

They were arraigned on a three-count charges of conspiracy, possession of dangerous weapons and murder of the medical practitioner,

Presiding over the case, Magistrate Edet Obot described the offence of which the accused stood trial as a capital one, and if found guilty attracts capital punishment.

He, therefore, asked that the case be transferred to a higher court, saying that his court lacks jurisdiction to entertain a case of such magnitude.

The Police were also told to transfer the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), in view of its severity.

The six accused persons were asked to be remanded in Uyo prison till their case comes up for hearing in the appropriate court.

Dr. Akpan Ekpo Udo until his brutal murder on the New Year eve near his Uyo residence, was a medical doctor with Saint Luke’s Hospital, Uyo.

He resigned his appointment in line with electoral guidelines to contest as a member of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency.

The Tide gathered that opinion polls conducted long before his assassination favoured the victim as the next state assembly man for the area, far above the other aspirants.

It is thus widely believed that his murderers had been threatened by his popularity.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

1 week ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.