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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
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene