Niger Delta

Boat Mishap: Victim’s Family Alleges Foul Play

Published

7 years ago

January 4, 2019

One week after a boat mishap in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State claimed two lives, family of an Assistant Controller of Customs, Victor Amakiri, who drowned, have expressed worries over the circumstances that led to the incident.
A nephew to the Late Custom’s Officer, Tammy Young, who expressed dissatisfaction over the handling of the matter by the Police said the family is suspecting foul play and demands quick action from security agencies on the matter.
The Tide recalls that Late Victor Amakiri drowned while on his way to Tombia in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State on December 27, last year after a passenger boat collided with the boat he was travelling in with his family.
Young expressed worry that the boat the late Customs Officer was travelling in did not capsize but that his briefcase and other valuables were missing.
He also alleged that none of the boat drivers involved in the accident have been arrested and therefore urged the Police to come out with an official statement on the matter.
He said, “What is funny is that the boat that collided with them left without making any effort to rescue anyone. Neither the boat he (late Amakiri) was in nor the one that collided with them capsized.
“But most of their valuables, including his briefcase were carted away. Till today that I speak with you none of the drivers have been arrested or the boats impounded, whereas the matter was reported to the marine police that very day.
“My call to the security agencies is to ensure that the people concerned are brought to book and let the family know what actually happened.
“Because we are suspecting some foul play. It is an irony of situation where a boat did not capsize but valuables that the man was travelling with were carted away.”
But speaking to newsmen, spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni, said the police has commenced investigation into the incident.
Omoni, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) however appealed to family members of the late Customs Officer to allow the police do their work.
The Police image maker said, “My attention has been drawn to the comment of one Tammy Young, a relation of the Customs Officer that died in a boat accident on the 27 December, 2018”.

Dennis Naku

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

5 days 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

5 days 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

5 days 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.