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Serial Killings: Police Set To Arraign Prime Suspect In Court
The Rivers State Police Command has said all is now set to charge suspected serial killer, Gracious David-West to court to enable him answer murder charges against him.
It would be recalled that the state Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Dandaura had told newsmen that David-West, a prime suspect in the serial killing of young women in hotels, confessed to have killed 15 women in different parts of the country, including Port Harcourt.
Speaking to The Tide on the latest development, spokesman of the state Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said David-West would be arraigned this week.
He dismissed insinuations that the matter was being swept under the carpet; noting that the command was painstakingly digging into the suspect’s stories to ascertain if there are accomplices.
Omoni further said that though David-West confessed to killing 15 women, it was not enough to serve as evidence in court without proof.
“We are doing everything humanly possible to cross our Ts and dot our Is to see that we do not leave any room that may scuttle our efforts to win this matter in court. We want to make sure that the matter is thoroughly investigated.
“Though he has confessed to killing 15 persons, but that is not enough. We are going beyond that because the way our mind is working, he may not be alone in this business.
“So, we are trying to demystify him and see if we can get other startling revelations from him. But be that as it may, I do know that in the next couple of days, he will be in court because we cannot continue to keep him here,” Omoni stated.
He further said, “We are not giving him any preferential treatment. We are not petting him either. We are doing what the law allows us to do. A prisoner has some rights. He has right to medical attention, right to his lawyers, right to his parents, family and so on.
“It is only when he has been pronounced guilty with a sentence of death on him; that is when he loses all such privileges. The command is policing with human face. As a matter of fact, a prisoner is entitled to good food three times a day.
“He is already asthmatic and not too strong. We have been giving him medical attention and all of that,” Omoni explained.
Similarly, the Rivers State House of Assembly ad-hoc committee set up to investigate the serial killer, Gracious David-West, has said that it would do its best to ensure that justice was served in the matter.
The committee also reiterated its stand that the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage provided by one of the hotels where the suspect allegedly carried out the killings was doctored.
The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Kelechi Wogu, disclosed this after members of the committee watched the footage at the state Assembly Complex in Port Harcourt.
Wogu, who is the lawmaker representing Omuma Constituency in the state legislature, also said he would not believe that the suspect disappeared from the footage.
According to him, “We invited the hotel to come and tell us what is happening when we saw the CCTV footage trending. A lot of questions came up. Some people said he disappeared, some said he vanished; some said the CCTV camera was doctored.
“The hotel has come with their engineer who installed the CCTV, and he said it was not doctored. He is also saying that what has happened there beats him. That he doesn’t understand what played out there. Well, I still maintain my ground that the CCTV camera was doctored.”
The lawmaker commended security operatives and the Rivers State Government for their efforts in arresting the suspected serial killer, noting that the committee would not relent in its efforts to ensure justice prevails.
Wogu further said, “So, a lot of things are not correct. I think we will brief the security agencies of our findings, and report back to the House. But believe me, there was no disappearance, no vanishing. I want to assure Rivers people that we have confidence in the police. Let me also thank the commissioner of police. He has not just saved the lives of people living in Rivers State. He has saved the lives of the entire Nigerians.”
Dennis Naku
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