News
Police Rescue Abducted Female Lawyer, Two-Week-Old Baby In Rivers …Captors Would’ve Killed Me Before Cops Came, Bisola Reveals
The Rivers State Police Command has rescued abducted female lawyer, Barrister Paulette Bisola Ajayi and one Paul Nyulaku (m) of British High Commission, Abuja, from their abductors.
The duo were allegedly kidnapped on October 4, 2020, at different locations in Port Harcourt by unknown gunmen.
The state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan while briefing newsmen on the milestone in his office, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, said that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command in a sting operation, last Wednesday night at about 21.30hrs, stormed the forest at Okomoko in Etche Local Government Aarea of the state where Miss Paulette Bisola Ajayi and Mr Paul Nyulaku were kept and rescued them unhurt.
Mukan averred that Miss Bisola Ajayi was abducted at her residence in Rumuokurushi on October 4, 2020, while Mr Paul Nyulaku was kidnapped same day at Mgbuoba along NTA Road, all in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, in the wake of the operation, one of the kidnappers, Chinedu Chigbu (male), who was keeping watch over them was arrested while another was fatally wounded in the exchange of gunfire, adding that he was confirmed dead at the hospital where he was rushed to.
“Their camp was immediately destroyed. Exhibits recovered from them include one AK-47 rifle, a fully-loaded magazine and 100 rounds of live ammunition.
“Efforts are on to arrest other fleeing members of the gang”, he stated.
He used the opportunity to call on members of the public, particularly residents of Etche and Omuma LGAs, to increase security consciousness and report anybody with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
In a related development, the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, said that the police have recovered a two-week old baby sold by her grandmother at the cost N1.3million.
Mukan said that detectives at the Trans Amadi Police Station, while investigating a case of child trafficking, reported on September 25, 2020, by one Christian Duru (m), the father of the baby and his wife, Antonia Joseph, discovered that with connivance of his mother-in-law, one Anthonia Amos (f), sold the two-week old baby at the cost N1.3million.
According to him, in the course of investigation, the mother-in-law was arrested, and on interrogation, she led the detectives to Ukanafun LGA in Akwa lbom State where one Pauline Umoh, (female) was arrested, adding that she later led the police to Mgbidi in Imo State, where the buyer, one Juliana Obianwa (female) was arrested and the baby recovered.
The CP, however, said that the baby boy has been released to the mother, adding that the arrested suspects were in police custody assisting the police on how to track and arrest other members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the freed Port Harcourt-based female lawyer, Miss Bisola Ajayi, has disclosed that she escaped death by divine providence, following the timely intervention of operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command.
Miss Ajayi, who disclosed that her captors increased their ransom from N50million to N200million, said the boys that kidnapped her last Sunday, had concluded to take her to the swamp to be killed before policemen suddenly appeared.
She made the disclosure while fielding questions from reporters shortly after the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, had briefed the media on her release.
The lawyer said the hoodlums became afraid of how news about her abduction had gone round and had resolved on Wednesday night to kill her.
Ajayi narrated: “On Sunday evening, I was taken (kidnapped) by unknown gunmen in front of my house. They shot at me and took me in front of my family members. In fact, they told me they came for my family members.
“I didn’t know where they kept me. But, they asked for ransom of N50million. By the next day, the ransom went up to N200million because everybody has reported that I was missing.
“In fact, as at yesterday (Wednesday), they had decided that they would kill me. I want to thank everyone that ensured that I came home alive.
“Some of the boys were violent, they kept on beating me. But, there were a few of them that told me that they would let me go if the ransom is paid.
“There was one of them, in particular, that was surprised that I didn’t have a bullet wound. He thought that I have some charm on me. So, he kept on checking my body. I told him no, that it was Jesus Christ that saved me.
“They were looking for how to kill me because they were certain that with the news that had gone round, somehow, something was going to go wrong. So, they planned yesterday night to move me into the swamp to kill me. So, the Police came just in time. All I could do is just to pray”, she stated.
The lady, however, thanked Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, Nigerian Bar Association and others that contributed to her safe rescue.
“I just want to thank the Governor of Rivers State (Nyesom Wike), the state Commissioner of Police (Joseph Mukan), National President of Nigeria Bar Association and Chairman of Port Harcourt branch of NBA, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and everyone that put in the effort to get me freed from them (kidnappers)”, she said.
Her rescue came barely two days after the state Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mukan, disclosed that preliminary investigation had revealed the gang behind her abduction.
He disclosed this when members of the task force set up by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to secure the release of the young female lawyer visited him in Port Harcourt.
The 23 For OK & P-BAT Movement, a political pressure group championing the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governorship ambition of Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda across the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State ahead of the 2027 elections, has congratulated both leaders on their victories at the recently concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries.
In a statement issued by the National Coordinator, Amb. Goodluck Braide, who also doubles as the President of the Renewed Hope Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Limited, President Tinubu’s victory at the APC presidential primaries in Rivers State was described as a reflection of his growing popularity and acceptance among Nigerians. The group noted that since assuming office in 2023, the President has implemented bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning the country for sustainable growth, prosperity, and national development.
According to the group, the outcome of the primaries is an indication of what to expect in the 2027 general elections.
The group also congratulated Honourable Ogundu Kingsley Chinda on his emergence as the APC governorship flag bearer in Rivers State, describing the primary election process as peaceful, transparent, free, and fair. It stated that Chinda’s emergence signals increasing political unity among Rivers people across ethnic and political divides.
According to the movement, the APC made a strategic and wise decision in presenting Chinda as its governorship candidate, citing his leadership experience, competence, charisma, and proven capacity as qualities that position the party for victory in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Amb. Goodluck Braide, National Coordinator
The statement further acknowledged the role of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, praising his political foresight, resilience, and commitment to maintaining unity within the political structure in Rivers State while ensuring the state remains relevant in national politics.
The group equally commended the leadership of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentanwe Yilwatda, noting that under his leadership since July 2025, the party has witnessed renewed strength, unity, and political growth ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also congratulated the people of Rivers State and Nigerians generally for their continued support and confidence in the Tinubu administration, which it said has made notable progress in promoting national cohesion, social integration, and economic development.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
