News
Family, Police Disagree Over Cause Of Suspect’s Death In Detention
The family of a man identified as Phillip Brown popularly called ‘Schoolboy’ who allegedly died in the cell of the Eagle Crack unit of the Rivers State Police Command has insisted that the suspect was tortured to death by the Diobu Vigilante and police operatives.
The Tide learnt that the deceased was one of the notorious criminals, who had been terrorising the Diobu axis of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area and its environs for some time now.
It was further gathered that the deceased was nabbed while unleashing mayhem with AK-47 rifle on residents of a popular waterfront in Diobu along with members of his gang.
It was also discovered that luck ran out on the deceased when resilient and brave residents called in members of the vigilante, who cordoned off the area before swiftly enlisting the re-enforcement of police operatives to smash the operation.
The Tide learnt that with the backing of both security apparatuses, youths of the area, quickly rounded up the criminal elements, and beat them mercilessly.
While Phillip Brown could not escape the wrath of the mob, others managed to find their way out of harms’ way before the police took charge.
But an Uncle of the deceased, Mr. Daniel Malfred, who spoke on behalf of the family, last weekend, alleged that the claims of the security personnel were not accountable enough to dispel any suspicion of conspiracy, as the police formations visited initially denied knowledge of custody of the deceased.
He said that the circumstances of his death were unclear, and therefore, called on the police authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the death of his brother, just as he demanded the release of the deceased remains for proper burial.
Malfred expressed disappointment that the police were hiding the truth from him after he visited three stations to ascertain the news he heard about his brother’s demise.
“I heard that he died in the police station. So, I went to Mile 1 Police Station, they said such an incident never happened. I also went to E-Crack unit in Mile 1, and they also said that they were not aware of such incident.
“I went to Azikiwe Police Station in Mile 3, to get information so that we can get his body for the family to bury him. They also said that such an incident never happened. So, all the police stations we went to said they were not aware of the incident.
“But the information we gathered was that police were involved: That the Diobu Vigilante handed him over to E-Crack. I want the police commissioner to investigate this matter, and let them release his body so that we can bury him,” he stated.
But reacting to Malfred’s claims, the Chairman of Diobu Vigilante, Amatari Bipelede, told journalists in Port Harcourt that ‘Schoolboy’ was rescued half-dead from a mob at a waterfront in Port Harcourt after he was caught with an AK-47 rifle, and handed over to the police.
In his response to the family’s allegations of police involvement in the torture to death of Phillip Brown, the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, dismissed the claim as false and unfounded.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt, Mukan said, “That is a misconception of the actual fact. The suspect was involved in criminal activity at the waterfront.
“The vigilante got information and informed the police. They sent their men under cover and were able to grab one of the cultists that were making life unbearable for the people there.
“There was mob action. He was beaten to stupor. Some of the vigilantes were injured. There was reinforcement, and they took him to the E-Crack station.
“Unfortunately, when he got there, he was exhausted through the mob action, and he gave up the ghost,” Mukan explained.
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