Niger Delta

AIG Zone 5 Debunks Plot To Eliminate Whistle Blower

Published

8 years ago

April 2, 2018

The Zone 5 headquarters of the Nigerian Police Force, Benin, has debunked any plot to eliminate one Ovie Osiebe-Franklin, an alleged whistle blower, and one other Anodeh Brave.
This is contained in a statement released by DSP Emeka Iheanacho, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), and made available to newsmen in Benin, yesterday.
Iheanacho said that the alleged whistle blower was a suspect in a case of alleged false information investigated by the FCIID, Abuja.
He said that debunking the alleged elimination plot was imperative following a publication by an online publication on March 28.
He said the said-publication had alledgedly reported that the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin, AIG Rasheed Akintunde was plotting to eliminate the whistle blower.
Akintunde was also alleged to be plotting to kill Anode Brave, a member of Delta State Polytechnic Governing Council, Otefe-Oghara.
He said that the AIG was committed to professionalism and intelligence-led policing.
“TheAssistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin, AIG Rasheed Akintunde wishes to reaffirm his commitment to professionalism, and intelligence-led policing.
“He also wishes to reaffirm his respect for fundamental human rights and observance of rule of law in the discharge of his duties at all time.
“It would be recalled that sometime in 2014, the school authority terrminated Ovie Osiebe-Franklin appointment as as academic staff of the Delta State Polytechnic.
“He was alleged to be involved in acts of corruption, extortion of students, sexual harassment of female students and examination malpractice.
“Since the termination of the suspect’s appointment by the Governing Council , he has been on vengeance mission against the authorities of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara”, the statement said.
Iheanacho further said that in 2014, Ovie Osiebe-Franklin wrote a petition to the Inspector- General of Police against the Rector and other members of the Governing Council including Anodeh Brave, and alleged misappropriation of the institution’s fund.
“At the end of the investigation, a Legal Advice from the Commissioner of Police Legal Department, Abuja, directed that the said Ovie Osiebe-Franklin should be arrested and charged to court for false information”.
He, however, said that on February 20, 2018, another petition was written to the AIG, Zone 5 Headquarters, by Anodeh Brave.
He said that it was against the supposed whistle blower over allegations of corruption and extortion, impersonation of EFCC officials, assassination of characters and threat to lives.
The ZPPRO said that based on the petition which was presently being investigated at the ZCIID, the supposed whistle blower had continued to evade police arrest.
He said that every effort made to arrest and prosecute the suspect had failed.
He said as a responsible law enforcement agency, the zone would like to reassure members of the public that it would continue to discharge its functions within the confine of extant laws.
He advised the general public to disregard the said publication as there was no truth in it.

Niger Delta

Otu Recommits To Support For Navy

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said his administration will continue to collaborate with the navy for effective protection of the waterways.

Otu stated this when the Commandant, Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Victory, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed, visited him in Calabar.

The Governor described the visit as critical to consolidating the partnership between Cross River State and the navy.

“Peace and stability remain non-negotiable prerequisites for the progress of the state.

“So, this visit reaffirms our shared resolve to keep the state safe and secured through sustained collaboration,” he said.

Otu stated that security remained the foundation for meaningful development in every society.

“No society prospers in the midst of insecurity. As a state, our development vision depends on peace, order and collective vigilance,” he said.

The Governor commended the Navy for the level of professionalism being exuded by its personnel in the discharge of their duties.

He said the Navy’s efforts had hugely boosted investor confidence and strengthened the state’s economic environment.

The Governor assured the Navy of the state government’s continued support towards enhanced operation.

Earlier, Ahmed explained that the visit followed the military tradition of familiarizing with authorities upon assumption of duties.

He stated that it was crucial to align naval operations with the strategic priorities of the state government.

The naval chief thanked the state government for its support to the force, saying, “your support has helped us immensely in achieving targets”

The Commandant further said there was need to strengthen infrastructure and communication systems in order to address evolving security challenges.

“Operationalising key naval facilities will improve our capacity to tackle maritime crimes.

“The Navy is committed to supporting the state in ensuring the safety and security of the waterways.

“We shall continue to promote peace while enabling the residents to carry out their lawful activities without fear,” he said.

Niger Delta

Community Praises Diri, Ogbuku On Projects Execution … Prioritises Security, Dev

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

The Agbura Community of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, has again lauded the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the Managing-Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, over infrastructure projects executed in the community.

Speaking with newsmen midweek in Yenagoa, its Chairman, Community Development Committee, Mr. Tribunal Egba, hailed the Governor for the successful completion of the abandoned Oxbow lake-Agbura Road project and others within the Community.

He also eulogized the NDDC MD for the construction of new lodge in the community for serving Corps members as well as plans to execute other projects.

Mr. Egba added that the completion of the Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road has given the community facelift, while also pleading with the government and the interventionist agency to award shore protection contract in the community to save it from the perennial floodings experienced in the fast urbanizing town.

Similarly, the community’s leadership has given assurances that it will continue to give priority to development and security of lives and property.

The CDC helmsman promised to strengthen the existing community vigilante group, while also stressing that the age-long synergy between the community and security agencies would be improved upon to get rid of crime and criminalities in the area.

“As a community, we’re so thankful to Governor Diri for constructing the abandoned Oxbow Lake-Agbura Road project. We’re also glad with the level of infrastructural development ongoing in other parts of the state, courtesy of the Diri-led administration.

“We also like to laud the MD/CEO, NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for the construction of a befitting Corpers lodge for Corps members serving in this community.

“Our priority as a community now is to protect these infrastructure projects. We’ll continue to work in synergy with all security agencies to make sure there’s peace and development”, the CDC leadership said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Delta Shocked Over Death Of Chief Protocol Officer

Published

8 hours ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

Delta State Government has expressed deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr. Sunny Kotor, Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to the State Government.

Kotor, a renowned Master of Ceremony at state functions, reportedly slumped and passed away last Friday.

In a statement signed by the Delta State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, in Warri on Saturday, his passing was described as “a profound loss; not only to his family, but to the Government and people of Delta State who benefited immensely from his professionalism, composure, and unmistakable presence at official engagements.

“He brought dignity, structure, and excellence to every function he handled, leaving behind a standard that will be difficult to forget,” the statement added.

The Commissioner noted that “every passing is indeed a sobering reminder of how fragile and fleeting life can be,” extending heartfelt condolences to Kotor’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

The statement prayed that God would grant them the strength to bear the irreparable loss.