Niger Delta

Institute Faults Magu Over Money Laundering Allegations Against Rivers

Published

6 years ago

January 13, 2020

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has faulted claim by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), that Rivers State is the second most corrupt State in the country after Lagos.
Recall that Acting Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Magu while addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt recently declared the two states as centres of money laundering in Nigeria.
But Rivers State chapter of the NIPR in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Chinedum Emeana and made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt expressed sadness that Magu made such weighty allegation without giving factual evidence to substantiate his claim.
The statement reads, “The Rivers State chapter of the NIPR has reviewed the comment of Mr Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the EFCC in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, 7th January 2020, declaring Lagos and Rivers states as centres of money laundering in the country.
“At its General meeting on 9th January 2020, members of the Chapter decried such a weighty charge without any factual evidence to back it up.
“The Chapter believes that such a statement about Lagos and Rivers states — two of Nigeria’s maritime, oil, gas and financial economic hub is capable of hurting the reputation of both states and Nigeria as a country and thus limit its ability to vie for scarce foreign investment capital.
“The Rivers State chapter of NIPR notes that reputation is a key determining factor for serious investors and lenders. Anything that negatively impacts reputation of a government is a direct threat on the ability of such a government to create jobs, provide infrastructure and generally achieve socio-economic objectives.
“This was the conclusion of robust discussions at the PR Moment segment of the chapter’s first monthly meeting of 2020 which focused on “The Reputation implication of the EFFC chairman’s statement that Lagos and Rivers States are the leading locations of money laundering in Nigeria.”
While declaring support for efforts aimed at tackling and eradicating economic and financial crimes in the country, the institute urged the anti-graft agency to be circumspect in its action and statements in fulfilling its constitutional role so as not to ‘inadvertently’ heap collateral-damage on the polity.

Dennis Naku

Niger Delta

Edo CP Vows Justice For Slain NSCDC Operatives

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr. Monday Agbonika, has vowed to hunt down and bring to justice those behind the killing of eight NSCDC operatives in the State.

Agbonika gave the assurance on Tuesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the attack scene, which also involved the abduction of a Chinese national.

Describing the incident as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished”, the Commissioner expressed condolences to the Edo State Command of the NSCDC.

He paid tribute to the fallen operatives, describing them as “gallant personnel who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”

“We stand in solidarity with the NSCDC in this grief. Their sacrifice will not be in vain, and Edo people should expect justice”, Agbonika said.

In a separate meeting with Chinese community members at BUA Cement, Okpella, the police chief assured that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted expatriate alive.

“Our men are on the ground, and operations have been intensified. We are determined to rescue the kidnapped victim and prevent further incidents in the area”, he said.

Agbonika appealed for calm among residents, urging cooperation through timely and credible intelligence to aid ongoing security operations.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We call on residents to support us with information. Together, we will defeat criminals threatening Edo’s peace”, he added.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and properties, stressing that it would not relent until the attackers were arrested and justice delivered.

The Tide’s source reports that the Okpella attack occurred on Friday.

Niger Delta

Police Nab Suspected Illicit Drugs Dealer In Delta

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Police Command in Delta State has arrested a suspected female illicit drugs dealer in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe said the suspect was nabbed alongside her three apprentices on August 29 by the police operatives attached to the Ughelli Area Command.

He said the operatives carried out the raid following credible information on the activities of some individuals that indulged in the sale of illicit drugs within Afisere/Ughelli town.

“The operatives trailed and arrested a drug baron who operates a chemist store in Afisere Community alongside three of her apprentices.

“The suspect led the operatives to her house at Afisere and a search warrant was executed.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects included: 355 bottles of CSC codeine, 57 rolls of 50MG tramadol capsules, 335 rolls of 100mg tramadol capsules.

“Others were: 33 rolls of 200mg super royal, seven backwoods, 540 sachets of swinol capsules and 16 cups of Canadian liquid cannabis”, he said.

The police spokesman said investigation further revealed that the suspect was a major dealer in illicit drugs in Ughelli and its environs.

Edafe added that investigation in the matter was ongoing.

Niger Delta

C’River Assembly extends Bekwarra LG Chairman’s Suspension By 3 Months

Published

2 weeks ago

September 12, 2025

The Tide

The Cross River State House of Assembly has extended the suspension of the Bekwarra Council Chairman, Ms. Theresa Ushie, to 90 days.

Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, made the remark on Wednesday during plenary.

The Tide’s source recalls that Ushie was suspended on June 10 for three months on allegations of corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.

The suspension followed a petition from the Bekwarra Local Government Legislative Council, signed by eight of its members, who also attempted to impeach her.

Ayambem explained that the extension was to allow the House Committee on Judiciary, Public Service Matters, Public Petitions and Conflict Resolution more time to investigate the petition written against the chairman by the Bekwarra Legislature.

The House had earlier deliberated on a motion calling for the extension of the office of the LGA Acting Chairman, Mr. Egbung Obama, before agreeing to extend Ushie’s suspension.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Investigative Committee and member, representing Abi State Constituency, Mr. Davies Etta, said the committee needed more time to carry out a thorough investigation.

Ushie was elected as Bekwarra Local Government Council Chairman and sworn-in in November 2024.