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JTF Frees Kidnapped Couple …Nabs Fake Dollar Kingpin
The Anti-kidnapping Unit of the Joint Military Taskforce (JTF) has freed a couple after two months in pains in the hands of their captors at Umuoye Village, Etche Local Government of Rivers State.
The couple who gave their names as Ikoro and Amina Ezekwem were set free in the early hours of yesterday after a tip-off to the men of JTF Anti-Kidnapping unit.
Spokesman of the 2nd Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Port Harcourt, Major Aminu Illayasu said one of the kidnapping kingpin and suspect, Mr Leonard Okereafor was equally nabbed with fake dollars worth about N60 million.
Major Illayasu disclosed that there couple was made to sit in a shrine used by the suspect and others at large to hypnotise as well as compel victims to bring large sums of money in other, to negotiate their release.
Aside duping his victims, the Army spokesman also stated Mr Okereafor also uses the shrine located in Umuoye Village to carry out money laundering activities.
The couple, while narrating their ordeal in the hands of their captors, told newsmen that they ran into the kidnappers sometimes in May, while heading to Aba to buy burial materials for the late brother.
While on their way, their car broke down at Elele junction, where they met their captors who pretended to give them a lift. Unfortunately the Ezekwems never came back.
Their captors led them to an unknown village in Etche where they collected about N450,000, billed for buying of burial materials at Aba.
Mrs Ezekwem disclosed that aside collecting their money and detaining them inside a mud hut, the kidnappers led by one native doctor whose name was given as Linus also gave them concoction and oath.
Mrs Ezekwem claimed that after forcibly administering the oath on them they were hypnotized, and she was forced to sell all their landed property, including their household belongings.
However, one of the suspects caught by the JTF, Mr Okereafor denied the allegations, saying that he was framed up as he never had anything to do with the Ezekwems.
Though he acknowledged knowing Linus as a brother and native doctor, he claimed that he had on several occasions warned him to desist from his evil ways.
He told newsmen that he is a contractor with the National Integrated Power Project (NITP) and that he was arrested by men of the JTF while on site that fateful day.
Meanwhile, army spokesman has assured people of the state about the readiness of the Anti-Kidnappers unit to squash and curb criminal activities in the state.
Major Illayasu assured that the suspect would be handed over to he police once preliminary investigations are concluded.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene