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Rivers Court Discharges, Acquits Ikoku 4
A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, presided over by Chief Magistrate Amadi Nna has discharged and acquitted the four alleged suspected armed Robbers, cultists and car snatchers, popularly called the Ikoku Four on the four-count charges preferred against them by the police.
The discharged persons, who were standing trial at the magistrate court, include Victor Ogbonna, Osaze Friday, lfeanyi Osuji and lfeanyi Onyekwere.
The Magistrate Court also struck out the charges against the four young auto mechanics who were arrested on December 19, 2019, tortured and detained by the E-Crack at Mile One Police Station, and later charged to court.
The four were detained alongside late Chima lkwunado by the Eagle Crack police team, and charged to court on ‘trumped up’ charges bordering on armed robbery and cultism.
Their discharge and acquittal followed the report of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Ibiene Mbano on the matter which was sent to the court at the recommencement of the trial, yesterday.
The court held that the report had not indicted the suspects of the crimes they were accused of by the police, and therefore, discharged them immediately from all the allegations levied against them before the court.
Nna ruled that the DPP reports advised that the charges against the Ikoku four by the police were unfounded and should not have come up in the first place, adding that they were mere speculations.
Speaking with newsmen outside the courtroom, the Director of Public Prosecution in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, Ibiene Mbano said, “We discovered that the allegations against the boys were mere speculations and unfounded, and it is not a matter we could be able to prosecute.”
Counsel to the four accused, Morrison Opue welcomed the decision of the court and revealed some of the options before his clients going forward on the road to total justice.
The four persons were arrested alongside late Chima Ikwunado and were arraigned by E-Crack on charges of robbery and cultism.
On arraignment, the four were remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service by the magistrate pending the report of the DPP on the matter.
The Tide reports that this is the first time the DPP in Rivers State Ministry of Justice is turning in a report on any matter in less than five days, thereby supporting arguments in some quarters that the DPP can help decongest the overcrowded correctional facility in Port Harcourt through prompt delivery of legal advice on p[ending cases.
The Tide further reports that the arrest of the surviving four and the alleged death of Chima in police custody had sparked a series of protests in the state.
Tension had also heightened yesterday in Ikoku axis following the expiration of an ultimatum given by Ohanaeze Ndigbo calling for the unconditional release of the remaining four survivors.
It would be recalled the auto mechanic, Chima Ikwunado had died in the custody of E-Crack team at Mile 1 Police Station in Diobu area of Port Harcourt.
By: Amadi Akujobi
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol