Rivers

Kidney Transplant Patient Alleges Rights Abuse By Police

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

A kidney transplant recipient, Chief Ugochukwu Lucky Ibekwe, has raised alarm over his continued detention by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Petroleum Product Theft and Sundry Energy Crimes in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, despite being granted bail by courts of competent jurisdiction.

This was part of a petition by the ailing detainee, through his counsel, Damian O. Okoro, SAN, in Port Harcourt.

The petition accused the Head of Investigation of the Task Force, CSP Omar John Sini, of subjecting the detainee to prolonged and unlawful incarceration spanning over 65 days.

Ibekwe, who was first arrested on February 14, 2026, in connection with alleged illegal bunkering activities, stated that the offence remains unproven, stressing that his continued detention violates his constitutional right to presumption of innocence as enshrined under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

In the petition, which was addressed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, the detainee alleged that the investigation process was fraught with malice and deliberate attempts to frustrate his release.

He further claimed that the initial administrative bail conditions imposed by the Task Force were excessively stringent, describing them as punitive and calculated to ensure his indefinite detention rather than guarantee his presence for investigation or prosecution.

According to him, following the harsh bail conditions, his legal team approached the Federal High Court, Umuahia Judicial Division, which granted him bail on liberal terms in line with constitutional provisions.

However, he alleged that upon meeting the bail conditions and securing his release on April 2, 2026, he was immediately re-arrested at the gate of the detention facility by operatives of the same Task Force on fresh allegations of money laundering.

The suspect in the petition lamented that since his re-arrest, he has neither been formally charged to court on the new allegations, nor given the opportunity to defend himself, describing the development as a calculated attempt to perpetuate his detention.

The petitioner disclosed that his lawyers subsequently approached a High Court sitting in Oyigbo, presided over by Justice F.A. Fiberesima, which on April 21, 2026, again granted him bail on what he described as realistic and attainable terms.

The suspect, however, alleged that the Task Force has refused to comply with the subsisting court order, describing the action as a blatant disregard for judicial authority and a threat to constitutional democracy.

The petition, which was also copied to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Senate President, accused the police operatives of systemic abuse of power and contempt of court.

The detainee also expressed grave concern over his deteriorating health, noting that he is a kidney transplant patient suffering from acute hypertension, a condition he said has worsened significantly due to the prolonged detention and lack of adequate medical care.

He warned that the continued disobedience to court orders by law enforcement agents undermines the rule of law and could erode public confidence in the justice system.

The petitioner therefore called for his immediate and unconditional release in compliance with the court orders, as well as a thorough disciplinary investigation into the conduct of CSP Omar John Sini.

The suspect, through the lawyers, demanded that the officer be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Police Act for alleged abuse of power and actions capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.

“We urge authorities to ensure he receives urgent medical attention and insist that he should be formally charged to court if there is any credible evidence against him, rather than being subjected to indefinite detention”, it said.

When contacted, CSP Omar John Sini confirmed receipt of the court orders directing the suspect’s release but stated that he declined to comply with the second order based on legal advice indicating an intention to appeal.

The police officer also alleged that threats to his life purportedly issued by the suspect informed his decision not to enforce the court directive.

The development has sparked concerns among legal observers and rights advocates, who warn that disregard for court orders by enforcement agencies poses serious implications for the rule of law and democratic governance in the country.

King Onunwor

Rivers

Police, Red Cross Strengthen Partnership Against Insecurity In Ikwerre

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Police Force has agreed with the Nigerian Red Cross Society to intensify collaboration aimed at enhancing emergency response and humanitarian service delivery in Ikwerre Local Government Area, amid rising security concerns in the area.

The Area Commander of Isiokpo Area Command, Mr. Ojiaku Felix, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the Ikwerre Division of the Society during an advocacy visit to his office in Isiokpo.

Felix noted that the role of the Nigerian Red Cross Society in community support and emergency response remains critical, particularly during crises when timely intervention can save lives and provide relief to affected persons.

He described the visit as timely, stressing that the Area Command is currently grappling with a range of security challenges, including alleged herdsmen activities, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.

According to him, addressing these threats requires a multi-stakeholder approach, adding that security agencies alone cannot effectively tackle the complexities of modern security challenges without the support of humanitarian organisations.

He commended the Ikwerre Division of the Nigerian Red Cross Society for its consistent contributions to community development and emergency interventions across the area.

The Area Commander further expressed readiness to build a strong partnership with the Society, particularly in areas where security operations intersect with humanitarian assistance.

Earlier, the Divisional Coordinator of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ikwerre Division, Apostle Blessing Ukpabi, said the visit was aimed at fostering stronger ties with critical stakeholders in humanitarian service delivery.

Ukpabi noted that the Police remain a key partner in ensuring access to vulnerable communities, especially during emergencies and crisis situations.

She appreciated the warm reception accorded her team, describing it as a demonstration of the Police Command’s commitment to collaborative service.

The Coordinator assured that the Red Cross would continue to work closely with the Police in areas such as first aid training, disaster response, and community-based humanitarian programmes.

She expressed confidence that enhanced synergy between both organisations would not only improve response capacity, but also contribute significantly to peace, safety, and resilience in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Esuuk-Awaji Oyet

Rivers

NDDC Speeds Up 1.2Km Kaa-Ataba Bridge Construction In Rivers

Published

2 hours ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The construction work on the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge in Rivers State, being undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has reached an advanced stage and is expected to be delivered soon.

Speaking at the Project site, the Managing Director of the construction firm, Engineer Christian Emeozor, described the multi-billion-naira project as ambitious and impactful, linking the Khana Local Government Area to the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

In a statement signed and issued by the Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Emeozor assured that his company was making every effort to complete the job expeditiously.

He noted that irregular tidal waves had hampered the delivery of construction materials to the site and affected the schedule for crossing the remaining beams on the bridge.

According to Emeozor, the construction firm had made efforts to address adverse weather conditions, which had contributed to delays in completing the project.

He promised that more men and materials would be committed to the project to ensure that it was delivered on schedule.

He said despite the challenges, the bridge project would be tackled with sufficient manpower and equipment to compensate for the reduced working hours due to the unfavourable weather conditions.

Emeozor expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the host communities, applauding them for their support and cooperation in executing the project.

He noted that the project would open up the communities in the area, reduce accidents associated with crossing the river, and boost socio-economic activities.

“The bridge project will improve the quality of life of the people of Kaa and Ataba, as well as help transport farm produce, goods and properties from the rich agricultural area”, he stated.

He also assured that his company would do everything necessary to ensure the project’s early completion, declaring, “We are committed to delivering on speed and quality.”

Recall that the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, recently briefed President Bola Tinubu on the progress made on the Kaa-Ataba Bridge and other legacy projects of the Commission.

Rivers

MBA Forex Trial Adjourn To June 3, Amid Bereavement … As Court Declines Cost Application

Published

3 hours ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

Proceedings in the alleged Advance Fee Fraud case involving MBA Trading and Capital Investment Limited (MBA Forex) and its representatives were on Thursday adjourned by a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt to June 3, 2026.

The defendants in the matter include Precious Williams, Glossolalia Nigeria Limited, Doxasterz Oil and Gas, alongside other parties standing trial over alleged fraud-related offences.

They are facing charges bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and related infractions under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2016.

At the resumed hearing, the first defendant, who is also representing the second to fourth defendants, was not present in court, a development that shaped the day’s proceedings.

Prosecuting counsel, Elijah Bakam, urged the court to proceed with the matter despite the absence, informing the court that a prosecution witness had travelled from Lagos to give evidence.

Bakam stated that the prosecution was ready to go on with the case and stressed the need to avoid further delays in the trial.

However, the defence counsel, Tochukwu Maduka (SAN), told the court that his client’s absence was due to a bereavement.

He explained that upon receiving the information, he promptly notified the prosecution and sought an adjournment to enable his client complete burial arrangements.

Maduka further noted that despite this communication, the prosecution insisted on proceeding, prompting him to file a formal application for adjournment.

Responding, the prosecution argued that the absence of the first defendant should not stall proceedings since the defence was duly represented in court.

Bakam also informed the court that the prosecution had made six previous appearances and requested that a cost of N500,000 be awarded to cover the expenses of the witness who travelled from Lagos.

In the ruling, the presiding judge, Justice S.I. Mark, granted the application for adjournment, fixing June 3, 2026, for continuation of hearing, while noting the circumstances surrounding the defendant’s absence.

The court, however, declined the prosecution’s request for cost, effectively dismissing the application for financial compensation.

The case arose from a petition filed in April 2021 by victims of MBA Forex to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking intervention in the recovery of their funds.

Following the petition, the anti-graft agency instituted legal action against the defendants on behalf of thousands of affected investors, with proceedings still ongoing.

King Onunwor