Niger Delta

Media Professionals Are Strategic Partners – Police

Published

9 years ago

May 6, 2016

The Commissioner of Po
lice in Edo, Mr Chris Ezike, says the media remains strategic partner in ensuring a secure and better society.
Ezike spoke at a rally to mark the World Press Freedom Day by the Edo council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Benin recently.
Ezike said the police had enjoyed a robust relationship with the media in the state under his watch and stressed that all would be done to sustain the relationship.
He said efforts should be made to resolve issues amicably rather than allowing a strain in the relationship between police and the media.
“I have enjoyed a very robust relationship with the press in Edo, which I term to be a constructive and continuous engagement.
“We can always look at issues from our various perspectives, agree on the one that we can agree and fine-tune the ones that needed to be fine-tuned, all for the betterment of the society.
“I want to thank you for your disposition and that of your members, for always trying to find out the police’s angle on any issue. Fair hearing involves balancing report and that I think you have done under my tenure.
“In trying to look for good governance, better society, there must be brushes and bruises. But at the end of the day, it is important that all matters are resolved at a round table.
“You remain our strategic partner under our watch. We will see you as such. We will strive to see that we remain on the same page at all times. I promise that we will continue to take this relationship to greater height’’, he said.
On the World Press Freedom Day, Ezike said that Nigeria had not done badly when it comes to guaranteeing freedom to the press, especially in the discharge of their legitimate duty.
“I sympathise and condole with you on the deaths of journalists who were caught in cross-fire. We very well know that there are incarcerations of journalists all over the world but I think that in Nigeria, we are not doing badly”, he stated.
Chairman, Edo Council of the NUJ, Sir Roland Osakue, appealed for support from the security agencies in the state at ensuring that journalists discharged their duty without fear or victimisation.
Osakue also demanded for adequate insurance cover for media practitioners by their employers.
The United Nations General Assembly in 1993, proclaimed May 3 of every year as Press Freedom Day.

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.