News
Police Rescue Abducted Female Lawyer, Two-Week-Old Baby In Rivers …Captors Would’ve Killed Me Before Cops Came, Bisola Reveals
The Rivers State Police Command has rescued abducted female lawyer, Barrister Paulette Bisola Ajayi and one Paul Nyulaku (m) of British High Commission, Abuja, from their abductors.
The duo were allegedly kidnapped on October 4, 2020, at different locations in Port Harcourt by unknown gunmen.
The state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan while briefing newsmen on the milestone in his office, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, said that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command in a sting operation, last Wednesday night at about 21.30hrs, stormed the forest at Okomoko in Etche Local Government Aarea of the state where Miss Paulette Bisola Ajayi and Mr Paul Nyulaku were kept and rescued them unhurt.
Mukan averred that Miss Bisola Ajayi was abducted at her residence in Rumuokurushi on October 4, 2020, while Mr Paul Nyulaku was kidnapped same day at Mgbuoba along NTA Road, all in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, in the wake of the operation, one of the kidnappers, Chinedu Chigbu (male), who was keeping watch over them was arrested while another was fatally wounded in the exchange of gunfire, adding that he was confirmed dead at the hospital where he was rushed to.
“Their camp was immediately destroyed. Exhibits recovered from them include one AK-47 rifle, a fully-loaded magazine and 100 rounds of live ammunition.
“Efforts are on to arrest other fleeing members of the gang”, he stated.
He used the opportunity to call on members of the public, particularly residents of Etche and Omuma LGAs, to increase security consciousness and report anybody with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
In a related development, the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, said that the police have recovered a two-week old baby sold by her grandmother at the cost N1.3million.
Mukan said that detectives at the Trans Amadi Police Station, while investigating a case of child trafficking, reported on September 25, 2020, by one Christian Duru (m), the father of the baby and his wife, Antonia Joseph, discovered that with connivance of his mother-in-law, one Anthonia Amos (f), sold the two-week old baby at the cost N1.3million.
According to him, in the course of investigation, the mother-in-law was arrested, and on interrogation, she led the detectives to Ukanafun LGA in Akwa lbom State where one Pauline Umoh, (female) was arrested, adding that she later led the police to Mgbidi in Imo State, where the buyer, one Juliana Obianwa (female) was arrested and the baby recovered.
The CP, however, said that the baby boy has been released to the mother, adding that the arrested suspects were in police custody assisting the police on how to track and arrest other members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the freed Port Harcourt-based female lawyer, Miss Bisola Ajayi, has disclosed that she escaped death by divine providence, following the timely intervention of operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command.
Miss Ajayi, who disclosed that her captors increased their ransom from N50million to N200million, said the boys that kidnapped her last Sunday, had concluded to take her to the swamp to be killed before policemen suddenly appeared.
She made the disclosure while fielding questions from reporters shortly after the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, had briefed the media on her release.
The lawyer said the hoodlums became afraid of how news about her abduction had gone round and had resolved on Wednesday night to kill her.
Ajayi narrated: “On Sunday evening, I was taken (kidnapped) by unknown gunmen in front of my house. They shot at me and took me in front of my family members. In fact, they told me they came for my family members.
“I didn’t know where they kept me. But, they asked for ransom of N50million. By the next day, the ransom went up to N200million because everybody has reported that I was missing.
“In fact, as at yesterday (Wednesday), they had decided that they would kill me. I want to thank everyone that ensured that I came home alive.
“Some of the boys were violent, they kept on beating me. But, there were a few of them that told me that they would let me go if the ransom is paid.
“There was one of them, in particular, that was surprised that I didn’t have a bullet wound. He thought that I have some charm on me. So, he kept on checking my body. I told him no, that it was Jesus Christ that saved me.
“They were looking for how to kill me because they were certain that with the news that had gone round, somehow, something was going to go wrong. So, they planned yesterday night to move me into the swamp to kill me. So, the Police came just in time. All I could do is just to pray”, she stated.
The lady, however, thanked Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, Nigerian Bar Association and others that contributed to her safe rescue.
“I just want to thank the Governor of Rivers State (Nyesom Wike), the state Commissioner of Police (Joseph Mukan), National President of Nigeria Bar Association and Chairman of Port Harcourt branch of NBA, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and everyone that put in the effort to get me freed from them (kidnappers)”, she said.
Her rescue came barely two days after the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, disclosed that preliminary investigation had revealed the gang behind her abduction.
He disclosed this when members of the task force set up by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to secure the release of the young female lawyer visited him in Port Harcourt.
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
-
News15 hours agoNigeria Won’t Surrender Any Territory To Criminals -Tinubu
-
News15 hours agoFG Begins Trial Of Over 600 Terrorism Suspects
-
Niger Delta12 hours agoWarri Airport Manager Disputes Air Peace Bird Strike Claim
-
Rivers12 hours ago79th IAUE Inaugural Lecture: Prof Anero Advoctes Tuition-Free Education For Children
-
Politics11 hours agoParties’ Deregistration: How Justice Lifu Overruled Appeal Court Justices
-
News15 hours agoRivers Judges Commence Annual Vacation, July 20
-
Politics12 hours ago
2027: Rivers PFN To Mobilise 600,000 Votes
-
News15 hours agoRSG Reaffirms Commitment To Women’s Empowerment