Niger Delta

Royal Father, Lawyer Docked For Misdemeanor

Published

13 years ago

February 22, 2013

The traditional ruler of Okpo Community in Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Diamond Tobin West, legal practitioner, Henry Odili and Mr Chuks Eluwa were last Tuesday docked before a Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court for alleged defamation of character.

The prosecuting police officer, Corporal Awerikure Solomon told the court that the accused persons on the 4th March, 2012 at the Port Harcourt Club, in the Port Harcourt Magisterial District conspired among themselves to commit a misdemeanor, to wit, defamation of character.

The police prosecutor further alleged that the accuased on the afore-said Magisterial District, did with intent to injure the reputation of Mr Ernest Ochomma exposed him to hatred, contempt or ridicule.

According to the police prosecuting officer, the accused persons alleged that the said Mr Ernest Ochonma planned to kill Barr Henry Odili and seven other members of the Port Harcourt club, by poisoning their foods and drinks.

He averred that the accused persons committed an offence punishable under section 517A, 373 and 375 of the criminal code law, cap 37 Vol. 11 law of Rivers State of Nigeria, 1999.

The accused persons, pleaded not guilty to the two count charges brought against them.

The lead counsel to the accused persons, Barrister Emma Okiri asked the court to grant his clients bail, saying that they are responsible citizens of the country and cannot jump bail.

Barrister Okiri noted that the offence is bailable and requested that the court should grant the third accused person (Barr Henry Odili) bail on self recognition, while others should provide credible sureties that would take them on bail.

The police prosecutor opposed the bail on self recognition for the third accused person, saying that it would be wrong to do so.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, I.O. Agbesor after listening to the submission of the counsel to the defendant granted the accused persons bail with the sum of N1000,000.00 each and one surety each for the two accused pearsons while the third accused person got his bail on self recognition.

He ordered that the sureties must swear affidavit of means, two recent passports and must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court while the address of the sureties must be verified by the prosecutor. The case was later adjourned to March 13, 2013.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.