Rivers

Ikoku 4: Prosecute E-Crack Commander, IPO, CSOs Tell RSG

Published

5 years ago

February 5, 2021

A coalition of concerned civil society organizations in Rivers State has called on the Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacheaus Adangor, to within 14 days, arraign and prosecute the former commander of E-Crack, SP Benson Abisoye, and the investigating police officer (IPO) who were allegedly fingered in the torture of the Ikoku 4 and the death of one Chima Ikwunado.
The group averred that the police and the prosecution team have done a great disservice to humanity by turning a blind eye to the atrocities committed by the two officers in the death of Chima Ikwunado, saying that the fact that the prosecution team was focusing only on the four suspects out of the six who were accused on the matter was an attempt to circumvent the law.
They posited that if the authorities concerned fail to open prosecution on the duo within 14 days, the coalition would have no other choice than to escalate the matter using both national and international dimensions.
The group made this demand during a press briefing, tagged, “Police Brutality in Rivers State” at the Patrick Naagbaton Conference Hall, Stakeholders’ Democracy Network (SDN) office in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Mr Amaechi Kelechi Justin stated that the Anti-Torture Act passed in 2017 as assented by President Muhammad Buhari, prohibits torture in any form, adding that anyone who contravenes the law was liable to 25 years imprisonment upon conviction.
According to him, Section 7(4)of the said Act stipulates that “the immediate commanding officer of the unit concerned in the security or law enforcement agencies is held liable as an accessory to the crime for any act of omission or negligence on his part that may have led to the commission of torture by his subordinate”.
He added that the provision has placed strict penalty on the commanding officer and the IPO, even as he said that the organization was at loss on why the rule of law would be disregarded with impunity in a democratic setting.
“Article 14 of the same convention, which Nigeria is signatory to, stipulates that, “each state party shall ensure, in its legal system, that the victim of an act of torture obtains redress”, adding that “the position of our coalition is that there is inequality in the administration of justice in Nigeria and that redress/justice is incomplete, if all suspects involved in the matter are not prosecuted.
“We call on the Rivers State Attorney General, the Nigeria Police and the prosecution team to act swiftly in revisiting the case file, and Section 7(4) of the Act to determine the right action to take, to prosecute SP Benson Abisoye and the IPO”, he stated.
Also speaking, Miss Flora Asieri of Stakeholders’ Democracy Network called for collaboration between the media and civil society organizations so as to fight against police brutality in the society, adding that civil societies and the media serve as middle agents between citizens and government.
It would be recalled that on December 23, 2019, late Chima lkwunado was confirmed dead at Mile One Police Station, while four other suspects who were arrested with him also confirmed that he was tortured to death.
Since 2020, the matter has been under litigation, with four out of the six suspects standing trial, a situation, the coalition said was unacceptable.
Meanwhile, the family of late Gospel Baraka, who was killed by trigger-happy marine police personnel, Inspector James Nwagbara in Abonnema Warf, four months ago, has cried out for justice, and demanded for the prosecution of the police officer who killed their son.
The mother of the deceased, Mrs Flora Baraka, and cousin to the deceased, Mr Emmanuel Baraka, made this demand during a press briefing organised by the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Organizations in the state in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday.
They described the deceased as the light and hope of the family, adding that his sudden death has devastated and shattered the hopes and dreams of the family.
The Baraka family said since the marine police inspector killed their son; he has not been brought by security and government actors to answer questions on his action, alleging that he has rather been allowed to move freely without being arrested.
“We want justice to be served on this matter, let the officer be arrested and persecuted. We are in pains, late Gospel was our hope and consolation because he always told us that things will be better for the family in the future”, they stated.

Rivers

Ogoni Community Rejoices Over Return Of Peace

Published

13 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The people of Zaakpon Community in Khana Local Government Area, in Ogoni, of Rivers State, have expressed happiness over the return of peace in the community.

Speaking during a Thanksgiving Service held at Zaakpon townsquare on Sunday, the Coordinator, Bua-Zaakpon Prayer Team, Charles Daka, said the thanksgiving service was to celebrate seven years of the return of peace in Zaakpon.

He called on the people of Zaakpon to continue to work harder in order to sustain the existing peace in the community.

The prayer coordinator also thank God for the peace that has returned, adding that the crisis that erupted in 2019 destroyed properties, life, schools and other commercial activities in the community.

“Innocent people were brutally murdered, churches, schools and other commercial activities were shutdown.

“It was so pathetic, but we thank Almighty God in his mercy for the return peace on the land.

“God used His son, Gani Toba, and some devoted Christians, mostly females, who were instrumental to intercession for divine intervention and God answered their prayers and restored peace in Zaakpon”, Daka said.

Daka also appreciated the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for the peace initiative and development in Zaakpon Community.

He urged the people of Rivers State to continue to support the Governor in order to attract more development in the state.

On his part, the Gbenemene of Kologbere-Bua-Zaakpon Community, King John Suka-Bakpo, said he will continue to work with all relevant authorities to ensure that the existing peace becomes a lasting one in Rivers State and beyond.

“I want to thank God for the peace we enjoyed all this years. Also, I want to thank God for our son, Gani Toba, for his role in returning peace in our community, Zaakpon.

“He used his time and money to ensure peace returns to our community.

“I want also thank our Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who has shown that he is a son of Zaakpon”, Chief Bakpo said.

He advised parents to counsel their children to maintain harmony in the community.

Kiadum Edookor

Rivers

KALCCIMA Inaugurates New Executive Council … Pledges Renewed Drive For Kalabari Economic Growth

Published

14 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Kalabari Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KALCCIMA) has formally inaugurated its new Executive Council (Exco) in a ceremony marked by optimism, strong institutional backing, and renewed commitment to economic development in Kalabari land.

Inaugurating the new Executive, the National Deputy President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, charged the new leadership to position KALCCIMA as a catalyst for inclusive growth, enterprise development, and strategic engagement with government and the private sector.

The newly inaugurated officers of KALCCIMA are: Elder Monima Daminabo (President); Amb. Clement Akanibo (First Deputy President); Boma Kaladokubo (Second Deputy President); Harry Awolayeofori Macmorrison (Executive Secretary/Director-General); and Faaye Franklin (Treasurer).

Others are: Engr. Robinson Success (Financial Secretary); Ibiba Don-Pedro (Public Relations Officer); Princess Nancy Boma Princewill (Organising Secretary); Barr. Idaoyibo Fortune Igbikikuno (Legal Adviser); and Abiye George, who emerges as the Welfare Officer.

In his keynote address, Dr. Membere-Otaji congratulated the Exco and emphasized the strategic importance of a vibrant local chamber to regional and national economic growth.

He urged the leadership to align KALCCIMA’s programmes with NACCIMA’s national vision, stressing professionalism, transparency, and innovation in advancing commerce, mining, agriculture, and small and medium-scale enterprises in Kalabari.

“The Chamber must become a rallying point for entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. Kalabari has immense economic potential, and KALCCIMA must provide the structure and leadership to unlock it”, he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Pastor Prince Billy Harry, charged the Exco to lead with integrity, unity, and purpose.

He encouraged them to move beyond ceremonial roles and focus on tangible outcomes that would uplift Kalabari communities, empower youth and women, and attract sustainable investments.

In his acceptance remarks, Elder Monima Daminabo, President of KALCCIMA, expressed gratitude to NACCIMA, the Board of Trustees, and stakeholders for their confidence in the new leadership.

He assured members that the Exco would prioritize stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and partnerships aimed at stimulating trade, supporting local industries, and promoting agricultural and maritime opportunities unique to the Kalabari axis.

Highlight of the occasion was presentation of goodwill messages by notable professionals and stakeholders, including Arc. Eniye Braide, Arc. Danny Sokari George, and Ebianga Bestmann, all of whom commended the inauguration and expressed confidence in the capacity of the new Exco to reposition KALCCIMA as a strong voice for economic advocacy and development.

They urged the chamber to leverage Kalabari’s strategic location, cultural heritage, and human capital to foster entrepreneurship, attract investments, and contribute meaningfully to the economic prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

The inauguration ceremony ended on a note of collective resolve, with stakeholders expressing hope that the new leadership would usher in a new era of relevance, impact, and sustainable development for KALCCIMA and the entire Kalabari nation.

Rivers

Rivers Police Commissioner Condemns Vigilante Group Over Aluu Attack

Published

14 hours ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has condemned the actions of the vigilante operatives involved in the recent gun attack on residents of Unity Estate at Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt, said the Rivers Police Commissioner noted that no group was permitted to take the law into its own hands irrespective of their claims.

The Police Command, through the statement, reassured residents of the State of their safety.

“Members of the public are advised to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects. Efforts are on to bring all those involved to justice”, it said.

Meanwhile, normalcy was said to have returned to the area following the arrest of 12 suspects linked to the attack.

The assault occurred in broad daylight on January 5, 2025, when armed men stormed the Mbodo–Aluu estate, firing shots indiscriminately and unleashing fear across the once-peaceful neighbourhood.

According to Police findings, the attackers were suspected members of a vigilante group, the Onelga Peace And Advisory Committee popularly known as OSPAC from parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

The Police report said the attack was allegedly supported by some hired thugs brought in to reinforce the operation.

Witnesses said the assailants were armed with Pump-Action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

The Police noted that the coordinated attack resulted in the destruction of sections of the estate, with several vehicles vandalised in what residents described as a calculated show of force.

One of the victims was shot in the leg during the attack and was abducted subsequently by the gunmen.

Swift police action followed a distress call, with operatives from the Choba Division racing to the scene and receiving reinforcement from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams.

The combined operation led to the successful rescue of the abducted victim, who was immediately rushed to a medical facility where he is currently receiving treatment.

Exhibits recovered include one automatic Pump-Action gun, a live cartridge, expanded shells, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and a Siena van allegedly used during the operation.

King Onunwor