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Rivers CP Orders Probe Of Alleged Killing Of 20-Yr-Old RSU Undergraduate
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, says he has ordered full scale investigation into the alleged killing of a 20-year old undergraduate student of the Rivers State University (RSU), late Miss Beauty Nwigbaranee by her pastor-friend, Sodje Masodje, over the weekend.
It would be recalled that, late Miss Beauty Nwigbaranee was declared missing December 25, 2020, by her parents, and her lifeless body was found at a mortuary in Ahoada East LGA, last Saturday.
The spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the death of the Rivers State University undergraduate, saying that the Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, has ordered a full scale investigation to unravel the cause of her death with a view to apprehending anyone found culpable.
According to him, the family was before the CP the other day during which the CP ordered an investigation into the matter, and appealed to “all parties to maintain restraint until we are able to conclude our investigation.
“Whatever our findings are will be made public. So far, we (police) have been able to locate and sight the corpse of the deceased girl and ‘accident’ vehicles have also been sighted. Investigation will reveal what really happened. We can assure the public that at the end of the day, justice will be served.
“All the parties will get justice, including the late girl. She will get justice based on what the CP has put in place. Nobody will be spared from the long arms of the law,” Omoni assured.
The Tide reports that tension is mounting, as the family of the 20-year-old undergraduate late Beauty Nwigbaranee is accusing the pastor of a new generation church, Mr Sodje Masodje of having a hand in the former’s death, who they said, paid him a visit the day she was declared missing.
It would be recalled that the family had reported Masodje to the Nigeria Army, 6 Division in Port Harcourt, alleging that their daughter who was the pastor’s lover, had visited him on December 25, 2020 (Christmas Day) but did not return two days after and could not be reached on her mobile phone.
The Tide learnt that Beauty’s family members became suspicions after Masodje, whose new generation church is located in Eneka, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, put a call across to them, asking of her whereabouts.
This development forced the girl’s family to officially report the matter to the Army, which led to the pastor’s subsequent arrest.
Counsel to Beauty’s family, Barrister Gobari Deebom told journalists in Port Harcourt that Masodje surprisingly refused to disclose the whereabouts of the girl during interrogation, with a promise that she would return home.
The lawyer, however, said Beauty’s alleged disappearance was initially a case of suspected abduction, saying that the family had to plead with the Army to hand over the matter to the police for proper investigation.
But speaking to The Tide, last Saturday, Deebom said Beauty’s lifeless body was found at the Ahoada General Hospital mortuary in Rivers State.
He, however, queried the information given to them that the girl died in an accident, saying that there was no trace of injury on her corpse.
“We discovered her dead body. Somebody that died through motor accident: would there not be bruises or wounds on the person’s body? Even if it is internal bleeding, there must be wound somewhere!
“They said there was a collision with two vehicles. They only saw one vehicle and the vehicle they saw also belongs to the pastor; and the police at Rumuji Police Station said the second vehicle involved in the accident is damaged beyond repair. If a vehicle is damaged beyond repair, where did you keep it, so that it will form part of the investigation?”
Asked how the family knew that Beauty’s corpse was deposited at the hospital mortuary, he said a kinsman of the family who saw the body at the mortuary contacted the family, having read the report of the girl missing in the media.
“A good Samaritan, who happens to be from the same tribe with the family members, after we posted it on social media, sent a message that so-so person is lying in the mortuary at so-so place. They should contact him.
“People started bombarding him with question: how he was able to discover the name of the person.
So, they happened to know the guy, and they called him. He said he went to that mortuary.
“They said there was accident, from there, they discovered an ATM card of the girl bearing the name that we posted. Lo and behold, they had to go there, and confirmed her body lying lifeless. No single spot. When they got to the police station at Rumuji, they saw her bag, and one oil that the pastor gave to her. For what purpose, nobody knows,” he 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