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Re-Arrest Of Ritual Murder Suspect Excites Banigo …As Court Remands Dike In PH Prisons
The Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has expressed gladness at the re arrest of fugitive Ifeanyi Chukwu Maxwell Dike by the Nigerian Police.
In a statement in Government House, Port Harcourt, Banigo said although it was gratifying to note that the felon has been recaptured, the police must carry out a detailed investigation to ensure that all those culpable in the gruesome murder of little Miss Victory Chikamso Nmesu, no matter how remotely connected or highly placed, face the full wrath of the law.
“I am a mother, and I know what it takes to go through the three trimesters of pregnancy and the excruciating pain of labour. So, I don’t want to hear any ‘Mungo Park Story’. Everybody involved in this devilish act must be made to pay”, Banigo said.
She commended the police for putting their acts together to apprehend the suspect, and urged them not to delay in bringing him and his cohorts to book, stressing that justice delayed was justice denied.
Banigo, who reiterated the Governor Nyesom Wike-led administration’s commitment to safeguard lives and property in the state, advised parents, guardians and caregivers to take necessary steps to keep their children, especially the girl-child safe.
However, the embattled ritual murder suspect, Ifeanyi Chukwu Maxwell Dike has been remanded in prison custody by a Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate’s Court in the Rivers State capital for lack of jurisdiction.
The Presiding Chief Magistrate, Court 7, A. Amadi-Nna Esq., while remanding the accused, yesterday, said the court could not entertain the matter based on the grievous nature of the charge brought against him, and adjourned the matter sine-dine.
The chief magistrate, however, ordered that the case file be sent to the Chief Registrar for onward transmission to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice, and further ordered that the murder suspect be remanded in prison custody while the DPP’s advice was being awaited.
The Tide reports that Ifeanyi Chukwu Maxwell Dike, aged 24, was arraigned by the police on one-count charge bordering on alleged murder of an eight-year old girl, little Victory Chikamso Nmesu on charge sheet No. PMC/1897c/2017.
The Tide gathered that the offence is punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. 11 laws of Rivers State of Nigeria.
Earlier in an interview with newsmen, the prosecution counsel, Superintendent of Police, Enoch George, who led the police legal team to the court, told journalists that their expectation on the matter and evidences at their disposal would certainly bring justice and equity to bear on the accused in order to deter would-be criminals in the society.
Also speaking, counsel to the accused, Mr. Lezina Amegua said they were prepared to adequately represent their client on the matter, adding that laws were not swayed by emotions nor justice determined by mere feelings.
He averred that the court was right in its decision to decline jurisdiction, and added that they will await the DPP’s advice before the next line of action.
The Tide reports that Ifeanyi Chukwu Maxwell Dike was conveyed to court on an air-conditioned Toyota Hiace bus with registration number FG128-F80 amidst tight security within and outside the Rivers State Judiciary Complex.
The Tide further reports that the incident caused heavy traffic around the Bank Road axis of Port Harcourt as many people trooped out to have a glimpse of the world most notorious young man of the moment.
The Rivers State Police Command, had last Monday, paraded Ifeanyi Chukwu Maxwell Dike before newsmen after he was transferred from Plateau State Police Command where he was arrested for robbery.
The state Commissioner of Police, Zaki Mohammed Ahmed while briefing journalists said Dike’s re-arrest was made possible by God Almighty through numerous prayers and concerns following his escape three weeks ago.
Ahmed promised that the command will remain resolute in its avowed determination to rid the state of criminal elements, even as he solicited unalloyed support from members of the public in crime fighting.
Earlier in an interview, Ifeanyi Chukwu Maxwell Dike had told journalists that he gave his elder sister’s phone number to the police in Plateau State because he was tired of hiding.
He also claimed that nobody aided his disappearance from the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), three weeks ago.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.