News
Police Parade 146 Suspects …Including Cripple, House Wife
The Rivers State Police Command has paraded 146 armed robbery suspects, including a 38-year-old cripple, Mr. Boy Awoyesuku from Asari-Toru local Government Area of the State for their involvement in various criminal activities across the state.
The Police also paraded a 36-year old House wife, Mrs Abigail Brown from Eleme Local Government Area of the State for stage-managing the kidnap of her child and collecting the sum of N6 million from her husband in disguse.
The State Commissioner of Police, Musa Kimo, disclosed this while parading the suspects before journalists during a press briefing at the police headquarters, Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Police Commissioner who was represented by the command’s spokes person, DSP Ahmad Mohammad, said the essence of the briefing was to acquaint the media and the general public of the achievements recorded by the command in crime fighting from February to date.
According to the Police boss, the period under review was very busy and stormy, especially during the National and State Assembly re-run elections in the state, adding that officers and men of the command exhibited high level of professionalism and neutrality despite challenges experienced during the elections across the state.
He said that during the period under review, the Police raided some criminal hide-outs across the State with many suspects arrested, while, offensive weapons and other incriminating items were recovered.
Musa, however, said the command made a major breakthrough in crime fighting with the arrest of a four-man suspected kidnap arrow-heads, Henry Ajie (23), Bright Ajie (22), Dandison Ogadima, (22), and Sampson Dibia, (30) all of Ohigha town in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of the State, who kidnapped and strangulated to death one Mrs Igila Sunday in a shallow grave in January, this year as well as being responsible for the kidnapping and killing of Pastor Chukwu Ekere for preaching to them.
The State Police Chief, while explaining further on the role played by Mrs Abigail Brown over the kidnap of her daughter, said the woman took away the daughter to her sister with the connivance of her associates and allegedly duped her husband of the sum of N6 million.
On the cripple, he stated that he was responsible for the armoury of the four-man kidnap syndicate in Buguma Asari-Toru LGA in the state.
He further disclosed that the suspects would soon be charged to court.
Giving the break down, he disclosed that out of the 146 suspect, arrested, 52 were suspected armed robbers and 92 alleged kidnappers.
Out of it, 17 armed robbers and 13 kidnappers were fatally wounded, while 17 kidnap victims were rescued and 18 armed robbery incidents were foiled during the period.
On the firearms and ammunition, the Police Commissioner disclosed that 26 Ak 47, five pump action, 25 locally-made pistols, five short guns, four double barrel, five single barrel, two assault rifles two locally-made guns and eight English pistol guns, were recovered.
Others are, 537 assorted ammunitions, four IED materials, 105 cartridges, 24 magazines as well as assorted vehicles were recovered during the period under review.
The Commissioner used the opportunity to appeal to members of the public for a sustained partnership with the Police to stamp out criminals from the state.
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