Politics
Serial Killings: CCTV Footage Was Doctored, Rivers Assembly Insists
The Rivers State House of Assembly Ad hoc Committee set up to investigate the serial killer, Gracious David-West says it would do its best to ensure that justice is served in the matter, just as it insisted that the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) footage provided by one of the hotels where the suspect allegedly carried out the killings was doctored.
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 prevailed.
Wogu further said, “So a lot of things are not correct. So I think we will brief the security agencies of our findings and we will 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
Politics
Alleged Coup: Protests Rock N’Assembly As Detained Officers’ Children, Wives Demand Justice
Scores of children and wives of military officers detained over an alleged coup plot yesterday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, demanding a speedy trial and the release of the accused officials.
The protesters who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly complex, moved in a slow procession while clutching placards with inscriptions such as “Don’t Kill Our Daddies,” “Detention Without Trial is Injustice,” and “Six Months of Torture: Enough Is Enough.”
Amid tears and trembling voices, the children appealed for justice and access to their detained fathers, many of whom they said they had not seen for months.
The appeal was made during a press briefing in Abuja attended by no fewer than 20 wives and several children of the detained officers, including a two-month-old baby.
The families were accompanied by human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju and activist Omoyele Sowore.
At the briefing, the families lamented that the officers had been held for over 160 days without trial or contact with their relatives, describing the situation as a violation of their fundamental rights.
Speaking on behalf of the families, Memuna Bashiru said the prolonged detention had thrown their households into uncertainty and emotional distress, noting that while allegations had been widely publicised, families remained in the dark about the fate of their loved ones.
The arrest of the indicted officers was first announced on October 4, 2025, by the then Director of Defense Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, who disclosed that 16 officers were taken into custody for alleged breaches of military regulations and acts of indiscipline.
However, an interim investigation later suggested the existence of a clandestine network of officers, allegedly coordinated by a senior Army officer, which had begun preliminary planning for a coup.
According to the report, the alleged plot involved surveillance of key national assets, including the Presidential Villa, Armed Forces Complex, Niger Barracks in Abuja, and major international airports, with October 25, 2025, cited as the planned date for the operation.
Those reportedly in custody include Brig Gen M. A. Sadiq, Col M. A. Maaji, Lt Col S. Bappah, Lt Col A. A. Hayatu, Lt Col P. Dangnap, Lt Col M. Almakura, Maj A. J. Ibrahim, Maj M. M. Jiddah, Maj M. A. Usman, Maj D. Yusuf, Capt I. Bello, Capt A. A. Yusuf, Lt S. S. Felix, Lt Cdr D. B. Abdullahi, Sqn Ldr S. B. Adamu and Maj I. Dauda.
The alleged plot, according to findings, targeted senior government officials, including President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
In a statement issued yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, said the exercise would take place in all wards and designated centres nationwide.
He called on existing members to update their records, while encouraging new entrants to join the party through the digital platform.
“As the electronic membership registration exercise resumes in all wards and designated locations nationwide, we urge existing members to validate their membership while new members are encouraged to register and join the progressive family,” Mr Morka said.
According to him, eligibility for registration is limited to individuals aged 18 and above who possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
The party said the initiative is part of efforts to modernise its operations by transitioning to a digital database that would enhance record accuracy and accessibility.
Mr Morka noted that the e-registration would “digitise the party’s membership register, ensure the integrity of records, and enhance efficient access to membership data for planning and management decisions.”
He added that the move is also aimed at promoting internal democracy within the party and strengthening its commitment to democratic innovation.
The APC had previously introduced electronic registration as part of broader reforms to streamline its membership system and improve organisational efficiency.