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Police Unmask PDP Chairman’s Killers In Rivers …Launch Manhunt For Trigger Happy Officer
Detectives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit in Rivers State have arrested the killers of the Ward Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ogbogoro community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state, late Mr Heaven-Ogbogbo Ihuigwe.
Late Ihuigwe was allegedly murdered on September 16, 2017, at about 19:45hours in cold blood and dumped in a cassava farm in Rumuekini community near Choba.
However, shortly after getting the report, the IGP Monitoring Team led by ACP Benneth Igweh, quickly swung into action to ensure that perpetrators of the inhuman act were arrested and brought to justice.
Addressing journalists at the state Police Command Headquarters, yesterday, to showcase the recent achievements recorded by men of the IGP Monitoring Unit, Deputy Commissioner of Police in-charge of Administration, Cyril Okoro told journalists that following a tip-off, men of the IGP Monitoring Unit arrested one Ifeanyi Okoro (m) residing at Omagwa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Okoro disclosed that the arrest of Ifeanyi and his further interrogation and subsequent confession led to the arrest of Ajade Niyi, Austin Isotec, Chief Joseph Iwuoku (aka Uduakonmiri) and Clement Yusuf, who were other accomplices in the killing of the late party chairman.
He added that efforts were being made to arrest one Yaye, whom he said, was still at large.
According to him, all the arrested suspects have confessed to have taken part in the murder of the politician, adding that one Black Toyota Highlander, the deceased Gionee M5 phone and originals of land documents were items recovered from them.
The DCP also said that on February 2, 2018, one Okonkwo Ikenna Micheal of Elelenwo Street, Rumuodumanya at about 20:20 hours along the Elele-Omerelu-Owerri Road while returning from Anambra State was kidnapped by five unidentified gunmen but quickly added that the men of IGP Monitoring Unit while doing a follow up on the incident, arrested one Anthony Nnamdi Omereji, alias Tompolo.
According to him, Tompolo confessed that he had received the sum of N2million from the family of the victim as ransom, and that the sum of N250,000 was left with him upon arrest.
He averred that the suspect had confessed to be the leader of the dreaded and notorious criminal gang responsible for the several kidnap and armed robbery activities on the Port Harcourt-Owerre Road, adding efforts were being intensified to arrest the other gang members.
Okoro also told journalists that on February 16, 2018, operatives of the IGP Monitoring Unit led by ACP Benneth Igweh, acting on credible intelligence, arrested three suspects, Nkechi Uzoemene, Roseline Okey and Nwolu Rita, all females who allegedly conspired to be involved in child trafficking.
He stated that the suspects conspired amongst themselves and sold a two-month old baby boy belonging to Nwolu Rita at the sum of N300,000 without the consent of her husband, one Uche Duru.
“The child was sold to one Ngozi Egeonu in Owerri in Imo State. On the execution of search in the house and premises of the buyer (Ngozi Egeonu), operatives recovered nine pregnant girls whose pregnancies have been mortgaged.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of the two-month old baby boy at No. 24, Egbelu Street, Rumuodara in Port Harcourt, where the duo of Ugo Amarachi ‘f’ and Benjamin Amuobichukwu were arrested”, he added.
Okoro said all the suspects would be charged to court after investigations in their matters had been concluded even as he lauded members of the public for their sustained support and cooperation, and promised that the police will do more to make the state safe and secure.
Speaking to journalists, the wife of the slain PDP Ward Chairman, Mrs Salome Heaven-Ogbogbo Ihuigwe and Rivers State House of Assembly member in the area, Hon Michael Chinda lauded the efforts of the police in arresting those responsible for the killing of their kinsman.
They urged the police to ensure that justice was done in the matter.
Our correspondent reports that over 18 persons were paraded to newsmen during the briefing.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has launched manhunt for a mobile police officer, who shot and killed a commercial taxi driver at the Rumuokoro Roundabout in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident in Port Harcourt, last Monday, however, denied knowledge of the whereabouts of the mobile police officer.
While responding to reporters’ questions on the whereabouts of the officer and what the police high command was doing to ensure justice for the victim of the careless shooting, Omoni said “The perpetrator of that dastardly act will be put to justice, the deceased deserves justice, and he must be given justice. It will only take some time, but I know at the end of the day, we will get to the boy.
“Right now, like I said yesterday (Sunday), he is a visiting mobile police officer, but we are getting some clues about his identity and where he is serving. So, in no time, we will get him apprehended, and he will face justice,” Omoni added.
Meanwhile, the wife of the deceased taxi driver, Mrs Precious Kelechi has demanded that justice must take its course over the death of her husband.
“It is unbelievable, I am still dreaming. I want to see the corpse of my husband. It is like a dream, I am yet to believe it’s real. I want to see the man that has kept me in this position. I want to see his face. I want him to be prosecuted. He is now on the run. The police should produce him to face the law,” she added.
It would be recalled that there was commotion in Rumuokoro in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, last Sunday, after a policeman allegedly killed a taxi driver, identified only as Bright.
A police team, which arrived shortly after the incident, cordoned off the scene to forestall break down of law and order in the area.
The Tide learnt that the cops shot continuously into the air to disperse a mob protesting against the killing.
It was gathered that the policeman, who fired the shot that killed the taxi driver, was escorting a vehicle conveying frozen chicken and fish to an unknown destination.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana & Reliance Ezimora
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene