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Police Parade Rev Sister, Others For Various Crimes In Rivers
A 44-year old Reverend Sister, Maureen Wechinwu, was among the 21 alleged criminal suspects that were paraded by the Rivers State Police Command for alleged roles in various criminal activities committed across parts of the state.
The self-acclaimed reverend sister was arrested for alleged abduction and child trafficking on September 3, by a team of ‘Operation Restore Peace’ of the command, who were acting on credible information regarding the hideout of child traffickers.
The Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka, disclosed this while parading the suspects at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Eboka said that the police crack team trailing the suspects stormed Omuigwe, Abuja Phase II, Aluu, in Ikwerre Local Government Area, where a lady who claimed to be Rev. Sister Maureen Wechinwu ‘f’ aged 44yrs, was arrested and 15 children were rescued.
The CP said the case has been transferred to Monitoring Unit for discrete investigation, and gave names of the rescued children as Prosper Godwin‘m’ 9yr; Queen Harry ‘f’ 7yrs; Miracle John Ohiri ‘f’ 8yrs; Peculiar Michael ‘f’ 8yrs; Chimobi Mattew ‘m’ 7yrs; Justice Peter Wechinwu ‘m’ 4yrs; Chukwuemeka Wechinwu ‘m’ 4yrs; and Favour Edeze‘f’ 9yrs.
Others include Onyebuchi Wechinwu ‘m’ 7yrs; Peculiar Michael ‘f’ 8yrs; Madubochi Wechinwu ‘m’ 10yrs; Francisca Wechinwu ‘f’ 12yrs; Emmanuel Wechinwu ‘m’ 6yrs; Prosper Godwin ‘m’ 8yrs; Queen Harry ‘f’ 7yrs; Chinwendu Wechinwu ‘f’ 15yrs; and Ogadinma Destiny Wechinwu ‘m’ 5yrs.
The commissioner further disclosed that investigation revealed that Prosper Godwin ‘m’was abducted at Ikpazasia market in Bayelsa State on October 31, 2020, together with two others, whom, he said, they do not know their whereabouts, and was taken to the suspects.
“Later, he was sold to a woman at Lagos, and subsequently returned to the suspect”,adding that the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Godwin Ododor, have been contacted, and they corroborated the statement of the child.
On Queen Harry ‘f’, the CP said, “She was abducted at Ojukwu Field, Mile 1, Diobu, Port Harcourt, at about 1900hrs, while on an errand with the elder sister. The mother, Mrs. Florence has been contacted, and she corroborated the facts.
“Miracle John Ohiri‘f’: She was abducted on November 19, 2021 at Ada-George Road, Port Harcourt, opposite Holy Rock Church, along with her mother and two siblings, who have not been seen till date. The father, John Ohiri, has been contacted for identification of the child, who corroborated her statement that he reported the incident at Rumuokpakani Police Station.
“Favour Edeze‘F’: She was abducted at Creek Road Market, Port Harcourt on April 29, 2022, at about 1000hrs, while on errand. The father, one Emeka Edeze, has been contacted and identified his child, and also confirmed the incident.
“Chimele Obinna ‘f’: She was abducted on April 24, 2022, at Rumuodara culvet, Oroigwe, Port Harcourt, while seated in front of their house with her sister. The mother, Glory Obinna was contacted, and she stated that the incident was reported at Okporo Police Station.
“We are yet to locate the parents of the remaining 10 children for identification. Investigation isongoing with a view of arresting other suspects linked in the case.”
The CP also told journalists that on August 10, 2022, operatives of C4i Intelligence Unit, based on credible information, arrested one Obinna Dike ‘m’ aged 39yrs, of No. 72,IbetoRoad, Port Harcourt, a Bolt driver who specialises in robbing his passengers at gun point.
According to him, one of his recent operations is at EvoRoad, G.R.A, where he robbed one BomaAdolphus ‘f’ of the sum of N150,000 .00,adding that he has confessed to the crime,while investigation is ongoing.
Speaking on Obinna Dike ‘m’ age 39yrs, he said that exhibit recovered from him include, one Infinix Phone 6816, and one Toyota Matrix Blue in colour with Reg. No PHC 577 ALA.
He said, “On July 3, 2022, operatives of Elelenwo Division, arrested one Sadiq David ‘m’ aged 23yrs in possession of one locally made double barrel Pistol with three live cartridges. After preliminary investigation, the case was transferred to C4i Intelligence Unit for discrete investigation, which led to the arrest of one Hamisu Hassam ‘m’ aged 30yrs, and Babangida Ibrahim ‘m’ aged 26yrs at Yam Zone, in Oyigbo Local Government Area. They both confessed to the crime of robbing dispatch riders after their services. Investigation is still in progress”.
The CP listed the suspects to include, Sadiq David ‘m’ aged 25yrs; Hamisu Hassan ‘m’ aged 30yrs; Babangida Ibrahim ‘m’ aged 26yrs; and AmadiGodswill ‘m’ aged 30yrs.
He also gave a breakdown of items recovered from the suspects, saying that exhibits recovered include “one locally made double barrel Pistol; three live cartridges; three motorcycles: (i one-day long motorcycle with Reg. No AFR 918 ON; one Feiyan Carter Pen Motorcycles without Reg/No; Lifian Motorcycle without Reg/No”.
He also added that the six vehicles recovered from the suspects include, Toyota Corolla LE with Reg No. Rivers NCH 85 AE; Toyota Camry big light with Reg No.Rivers KNM 851 FU; Toyota Corolla LE with Reg No Abuja GWA 605 C; Toyota Camry big light with Reg/No Rivers BGM 880 SE; Toyota Corolla with Reg. No Lagos JJJ 472 DC; .Toyota Corolla without Registration Number.
“Again, operatives of this command on August 10, 2022, through Intelligence-led policing, arrested one IfeanyiNneji ‘m’ aged 29yrs and one Idowu Peter ‘m’ aged 32yrs at Oil Mill Junction, in the process of selling a locally made pistol to one Bariduanem Dim Justice ‘m’ aged 34yrs, a native of Baroko in Gokana Local Government Area”, the CP said, and added that “they are helping us in our investigation”.
The CP while giving the summary of the command’s achievementswithin the period under review said, 21suspects were arrested, six arms recovered; three live cartridges; nine numbers of recovered vehicles; 15children rescued.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the good people of the state for the working synergy existing between them and the police.
“All the recorded achievements wouldn’t have been possible without your timely information most of which are through phone calls”, Eboka said.
“I also thank everyone, including corporate bodies who commiserated with us in our time of grief following the death of our erstwhile spokesperson, SP OmoniNnamdi, who was the DPO Elimgbu until his death. We pray that God grants him peaceful rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss”, he added.
By: Amadi Akujobi
A Professor of Human Anatomy, with specialty in Physical and Forensic Anthropology at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Gabriel Sunday Oladipo, has expressed delight over the successful delivery of the 207th Inaugural Lecture of the university, describing it as a significant milestone in his academic career.
This is even as he commended the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Owunari Georgewill for his tremendous support in achieving the feat.
Speaking in an interview following the lecture in Port Harcourt, the scholar said presenting an inaugural lecture represents one of the highest achievements in a university career, particularly after attaining the rank of professor.
“I feel good. It is a form of achievement. An inaugural lecture is one of the peaks of an academic career in the university, especially after becoming a professor. By the grace of God, I was able to achieve that and also let the world know my area of specialization and what we have been doing over the years. It makes me feel elated,” he said.
Prof Oladipo, who was elevated to the rank of professor in 2018, noted that the journey to the inaugural lecture was built on years of focused research and dedication to his field.
Tracing the motivation behind his research trajectory, he explained that his interest was sparked and rekindled as far back as 1998 during his undergraduate studies.
According to him, he observed that much of the data used in his area of medical research were sourced from foreign populations.
“I noticed as a medical student that most of the data we used were foreign data. I felt we needed local data that are ethnicity-specific. That was the genesis of the whole journey,” he explained.
He said the realization guided his academic pursuits through his master’s and PhD programmes, as he consistently worked towards generating research findings relevant to local populations.
On the reception of his inaugural lecture, the professor expressed satisfaction with the feedback from colleagues and attendees.
“I was happy because I was able to drive home my points, and people clearly understood my presentation. I also received very encouraging commendations from some colleagues,” he said.
The academic also acknowledged the support of the university’s leadership, describing the Vice Chancellor as “highly supportive” of his aspirations and professional growth, saying, “the way the university system runs, if the Vice Chancellor does not approve your inaugural lecture, you cannot present it.”
Inaugural lectures at the University of Port Harcourt provide a platform for newly appointed professors to formally present their research contributions and academic journey to the university community and the wider public.
Prof Oladipo, however, clarified that the Head of Department(HOD) of the Department of Anatomy at the University of Port Harcourt currently functions in acting capacity, in the person of Dr J S Hart.
The Africa Global Development For Positive Change Initiative (ADIAfrica), in collaboration with Stephen Igwe and Judith Igwe International Educational System, has concluded a free eye screening outreach for residents of Rivers State.
The outreach, which was flagged off in Port Harcourt, targeted more than 300 individuals with various eye conditions. Speaking at the event, the International President of ADIAfrica, Prince Dan Mbachi, said the initiative was designed to provide access to essential eye care services for underserved communities.
According to him, the first phase of the exercise commenced in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and is expected to extend to Etche and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, while the second phase will cover other parts of the state.
Mbachi described the outreach as part of the organization’s commitment to promoting quality healthcare, equity, human dignity, and sustainable development. He emphasized that vision challenges go beyond medical concerns, noting their impact on education, economic productivity, and family wellbeing.
“At ADIAfrica International, we recognize that vision is not merely a medical issue; it is also economic, educational, and social. A child who cannot see clearly struggles to learn. A trader with impaired vision struggles to work. When sight is compromised, opportunity is limited,” he said.
He explained that the exercise provided eye tests, medications, visual field assessments, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and related accessories, stressing that the intervention was aimed at transforming lives rather than serving as a mere charitable gesture.
Mbachi further noted that the initiative aligns with ADIAfrica’s broader mission of advancing sustainable development through practical and people-centered solutions.
Also speaking at the event, a chief from Rumueme Kingdom in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chief Livingston Akaninwo, commended the organisation and its partners for supporting vulnerable members of society. The traditional ruler expressed concern that many people with eye conditions suffer silently due to poverty and limited access to healthcare.
He called on the government and well-meaning individuals to support ADIAfrica’s efforts to enable the outreach to reach more communities across the state.Some beneficiaries, including Mrs. Veronica Peters Olera Pere, expressed gratitude to the organizers for the initiative and appealed for the programme to be extended to other parts of Rivers State to benefit more residents.
By: John Bibor
A three-day intensive training programme aimed at empowering adolescent girls with knowledge, life skills, and advocacy tools to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and promote their wellbeing has ended at Okogbe Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The programme, which held from February 26 to February 28, 2026, was organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation. It brought together adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 years drawn from five communities in the area, including Ubeta, Okogbe, Okaki, Akinima, and Akoh.
The training was designed to reactivate and strengthen girls’ clubs across Ahoada West, Abua/Odual, and Emohua Local Government Areas, with a strong focus on ending harmful traditional practices and equipping participants with knowledge to improve their health, safety, and social wellbeing.
Throughout the three days, facilitators engaged the girls in interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics such as menstrual hygiene, puberty education, communication skills, gender-based violence, child rights, personal hygiene, emotional intelligence, and the importance of empathy and peer support. Particular attention was given to the dangers and long-term consequences of FGM, which experts described as a serious violation of the rights of women and girls.
One of the facilitators, child protection advocate, Inyingi Irimagha, specifically of the Child Protection Network(CPN), emphasised the need to challenge harmful cultural practices that negatively affect girls, noting that culture should evolve when it threatens human dignity and health.
UNICEF Desk Officer at the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Victor Iseberetonma, also stressed that empowering young girls with knowledge and confidence remains one of the most effective strategies for eliminating FGM.
He attributed the successful organisation of the programme to the doggedness and commitment demonstrated by UNICEF, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, and others in making sure that no stone was left unturned for the smooth take-off of the programme, and particularly thanked UNICEF for the great work it is doing in the State.
Other facilitators, including Mr Unah Uchenna and Miss Lucy Uzodinma shared similar sentiments, and called for total elimination of FGM in the society.
Many of the participants described the training as enlightening and transformative, saying, it exposed them to important life lessons they had never received before. One of the girls said the programme helped her understand not only the dangers of FGM but also how to support others emotionally.
“It has educated us about what is wrong, especially about FGM and other issues affecting girls.
“We learned how to talk to people, how to empathise, how to console someone, and how to make others feel relaxed and understood,” Morrow Onisokien Burebure said.
Another participant explained that the programme went beyond discussions on harmful practices to include personal development and daily living skills.
“We learned about our values and how we should live our lives,” she said. “They taught us about menstrual hygiene, how to use sanitary materials properly, how to keep our bodies clean, wash our hands, and how to be friendly even with people we don’t know,” said Dowel Victory Bakewari of Community Secondary School, Akinima.
The participants also pledged to become advocates for change in their communities. One of them stated that she would share the knowledge gained during the training with others back home.
“I will tell people about the effects of FGM and how to stop it.We need to create awareness so that people will understand why it should not continue,” Ake Beauty enthused.
Another participant noted that the training gave her a better understanding of her body and the responsibilities that come with adolescence.
“It is good because we were taught what we need to know about our bodies as girls,” she said. We learned things we should do and things we should not do, and the dangers of FGM. I will tell people in my community that they should stop practising it,” Ebere Testimony Kenneth of Akala-Olu Community Secondary School, Ula-Upata said.
Some participants also expressed appreciation to the organisers for bringing the programme to their in communities, describing it as a life-changing opportunity. One of them simply said, “We thank the organisers for what they have done so far. They have helped us learn things that will protect our future.”
Facilitators at the programme explained that FGM remains deeply rooted in cultural traditions in some communities, which makes sustained awareness and community engagement essential. They noted that while culture plays an important role in society, harmful practices must be abandoned once they are recognised as dangerous.
According to the organisers, the programme successfully met its objectives by equipping participants with practical knowledge, leadership skills, and the confidence needed to speak out against harmful practices. They emphasised that the girls trained would serve as peer educators and change agents within their communities.
The organisers furthermore reaffirmed their commitment to continuing advocacy in efforts, strengthening girls’ clubs, and expanding grassroots awareness campaigns across Rivers State.
As the programme came to a close, the atmosphere was filled with optimism and determination. For the young participants, the training was not just an educational exercise but a call to action — one that has placed them at the forefront of effort to protect the rights, health, and future of girls in their communities.
By: Donatus Ebi
