News

Police Arrest Seven Robbery Suspects, Recover Arms, Two Stolen Vehicles, Others In Rivers

Published

3 years ago

August 3, 2022

The Rivers State Police Command has said that its operatives in various security operations have arrested a total of seven notorious armed robbery suspects terrorising Port Harcourt and its environs.
The criminal suspects are said to specialise in vehicle snatching from owners who are mainly Bolt/Uber drivers.
A statement signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said one revolver pistol and two vehicles were among other items recovered from the suspects in different operations.
According to the statement, notable among the cases were the arrest of one Saviour Gbarale ‘m’ aged 24yrs, and Onyedikachi Uhala ‘m’ aged 18yrs, who were arrested at No 12, Etche Street, Borikiri, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area by operatives of C4i Intelligence Unit of the command, adding that the suspects specialise in house breaking and have been linked to series of recent armed robbery incidents in the Port Harcourt metropolis and environs.
The statement further said that investigations revealed that the suspects also allegedly raped and sexually abused a pregnant woman in the cause of their nefarious operations.
Also on July 24, 2022, operatives of C4i Intelligence Unit, while on routine anti-crime patrol along Eleme road junction, ran into a gang of armed robbers.
The police operatives engaged the hoodlums in gun duel.
“The duo were subdued by police superior fire power. One Victor Okona ‘m’ age 23yrs, and one Onuoha John Odinaka aka Precious ‘m’ age 22yrs old of Farm Road, Eleme junction were arrested while others escaped with various degrees of injuries.
“One American revolver pistol with breech No. 134581, and one motorbike with Reg/No. BGM 74VL were recovered from the suspects, efforts being intensified to arrest others at large.
“In another breakthrough, operatives of Anti-Cultism Unit of the command, while on normal patrol at Teke Sogo in Tai Local Government Area, sighted a Ash colour Honda Odyssey bus without registration number plate with six occupants. On sighting the police, the motorist zoomed off on high speed and the police team gave them a hot chase to ascertain who they are and why fleeing. The occupants, after a long drive, abandoned the vehicle, and ran into nearby bush at Teke Sogo in Tai.
“The abandoned Honda Odyssey bus without Reg/No. was recovered and towed to the station. Search in the car led to the discovery of four PVCs, bags of substance suspected to be cannabis, one jack knife, one plier, machetes, face masks, among others inside in the abandoned vehicle.
The command has commenced full investigations towards identifying and apprehending the occupants of the vehicle.
“In the same vein, following recent complaint of car snatching at Sani Abacha Division, police investigations have led to the arrest of three members of a car snatching syndicate in the state. The suspects namely; Gladstone Anderson ‘m’ age 22yrs, Emmanuel Hezekiah ‘m’ age 26yrs, and Chika Obiorah ‘m’ age 29yrs, were arrested along Amechi Drive in Obio/Akpor LGA.
“On interrogation, the suspects were found to be members of a notorious syndicate that specialises in snatching cars from innocent victims, particularly Bolt/Uber drivers in and around Sani Abacha/Casablanca area.
“They use jack knife to threaten the victims and rope to strangle their victims in case of any resistance. One Toyota Corolla saloon car, Reg/No. AAH 382 RM, ash colour was recovered from them. Effort is being intensified to arrest other members of the gang.”
The statement averred that the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, Friday Eboka, while assuring of the commitment of the police to the safety and security of all law-abiding residents in the state, reiterated that there shall be no hiding place for criminals in the state.
The CP assured that the momentum in the fight against crimes, criminality and other vices would be sustained for a safer Rivers State.
“All the suspects would be charged to court on completion of investigations”, the statement added.

By: Akujobi Amadi

News

Cleric Predicts Breakthrough, Warns of Political and Security Challenges in 2026

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Liberty Hour Ministry, Port Harcourt, Apostle Chikadibia John Wodo, has expressed optimism that 2026 will usher in uncommon breakthroughs and good fortune for Nigeria, particularly in the areas of political, economic, and spiritual development, with Rivers State playing a key role.

Apostle Wodo made this declaration in his special New Year message, where he stated that individuals and forces standing as obstacles to the manifestation of God’s will in the new year would face bitter consequences. He cautioned that corrupt political leaders risk backlash from the very people they govern if they fail to change their ways.

The cleric warned against the escalation of political tension in Rivers State and called on residents and religious leaders to intensify prayers for lasting peace. He also urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to remain resolute in leadership, reminding him to uphold his vows to God by continually seeking divine guidance in decision-making and governance amid evolving challenges.

Assessing the broader national situation, Apostle Wodo called on Nigerian leaders to repent and govern with a heightened sense of responsibility, noting that the cries and supplications of the masses have drawn divine attention. He further warned of alleged plots to disrupt a smooth democratic transition in 2027 and appealed for prayers to avert such an agenda.

According to him, Nigerians are yearning for genuine socio-economic transformation and freedom from political oppression. He challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to redeem its credibility by ensuring free, fair, and credible elections devoid of undue political interference.

The cleric also predicted that insecurity could worsen in the coming year and warned of the possible emergence of a strange ailment, stressing that Nigeria’s political challenges can only be resolved through equity, fairness, and justice, especially in the treatment of minorities, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged.

Apostle Wodo further claimed that some clerics and General Overseers have compromised their faith and incurred divine displeasure, calling for sincere repentance to restore their relationship with God. He also advised early preparedness to mitigate natural disasters such as fire outbreaks and flooding, particularly in rural communities.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to remain prayerful, vigilant, and united as the nation navigates the opportunities and challenges of 2026.

News

Ado Royal Family Disowns Alleged Installation of Amanyanabo of Okrika

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Ado Royal Family of Okrika has firmly disassociated itself from the alleged self-enthronement of Hon. Godknows Tam George as the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head, describing the action as unlawful, illegitimate, and a threat to the peace of the ancient kingdom.

The family, which described itself as the sole legitimate custodian of the history, traditions, and stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika, stated that it has not installed any king and has not commenced the formal process for such installation.

This position was contained in a statement jointly signed by Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan (Ogan Ado Royal House), Alabo Engr. Henry Semenitari Abam (Abam Ado Royal House), and Alabo Prince Oriyeorikabo Fibika (Fibika Ado Royal House). The statement was presented to journalists on Friday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

According to the statement, the purported action by Hon. Tam George amounts to “a blatant assault on the collective integrity of the Okrika people” and constitutes “a criminal act of impersonation with the potential to destabilize the peace and socio-political fabric of our ancient kingdom.”

The family stressed that Hon. Tam George was never presented as a candidate by the Ado Royal Family and did not undergo any of the mandatory rites, consultations, or confirmations required by Okrika customs.

“The Ado Royal Family has never presented him as a candidate, nor has he undergone any of the prerequisite rites, consultations, or confirmations. His actions are those of a lone interloper, operating in a vacuum of legitimacy,” the statement read.

It further emphasized that the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okrika and Clan Head is a sacred institution rooted in centuries-old traditions and spiritual heritage, not something to be claimed through academic qualifications, political ambition, or personal interest.

Speaking during the briefing, Prof. Sotonye Fyneface-Ogan reiterated that the process of crowning an Amanyanabo is clearly defined and has not yet begun.

“To crown a king, there is a process, and those processes have not taken place,” he said. “We are the chiefs; we are the ones that will be part of the selection. Honestly, we have not started the selection process; we have only begun discussions.”

He explained that during the proper selection process, chiefs supervise nominations from each constituent house, with each house expected to nominate two or three candidates—steps which, he noted, have not been carried out.

“I want to assure the public that none of the Ado family chiefs has given Hon. Tam George any sign of approval,” Prof. Fyneface-Ogan added.

Efforts to obtain the reaction of Hon. Godknows Tam George proved unsuccessful. Repeated attempts through phone calls, text messages, and WhatsApp messages were unsuccessful, as he did not respond as of the time of filing this report.

By: Tonye Orabere

News

PH Traders Laud RSG’s Fire Safety Sensitisation Campaign

Published

3 days ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

Traders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, have commended the Rivers State Government (RSG) for its ongoing fire emergency and safety sensitisation campaign across major markets in the state.

Speaking on behalf of traders at Nowa Market, Borikiri Old Port Harcourt Township, the market chairman, Mr. Innocent Chukwuma, praised Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara for initiating the awareness programme in designated markets and public places.

Chukwuma described the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it was the first time the Rivers State Government had carried out such a campaign in Nowa Market. According to him, the sensitisation would educate traders on fire emergencies and the necessary precautions to prevent outbreaks.

He urged traders to strictly apply the safety measures taught during the campaign, both during business hours and after closing their shops.

“I want to thank the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Ministry of Special Duties for coming to our aid, especially during this dry season,” Chukwuma said.

“This is the first time we are seeing government presence in our market in this manner. We lack words to thank our God-sent governor, particularly for providing us with fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment.

“We will do exactly what we have been taught today to ensure there is no fire incident in our market. We will always switch off all electrical appliances before closing for the day,” he added.

Similarly, the Chairman of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, Mr. Gift Nkesi Benjamin, applauded the state government for the distribution of fire extinguishers and other fire safety equipment.

“We will adhere strictly to the safety guidelines and instructions given to us today to ensure there is no fire outbreak in our market,” Benjamin stated.

“On behalf of Mile 3 USTRE Modern Market, I sincerely thank the Rivers State Government and the Ministry of Special Duties for bringing this important campaign to our market.”

At Rumuwoji Market (popularly known as Mile 1 Market), the Chairman, Chief Hon. Godpower O. Wobo, also expressed gratitude to the state government for the sensitisation exercise. He assured that traders would comply fully with government directives to prevent future fire incidents.

Responding on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Mr. Sokari D. P. George, thanked the traders for their cooperation and warm reception.

He emphasised that safety remains paramount, especially during the dry season, and urged traders to be cautious in their daily activities.

Mr. George disclosed that the theme of the 2025 fire safety campaign is “Controlled Fire Is a Friend, Uncontrolled Fire Is an Enemy.”

He cautioned against refuse and bush burning around buildings and warned traders not to store fuel in unauthorized places such as homes, offices, markets, or public buildings.

“Follow all fire safety guidelines and instructions,” he urged.

The permanent secretary also noted that Governor Fubara prefers a zero-fireworks approach during festive periods to ensure public safety, stressing that the government has invested heavily in markets and expects traders to take responsibility for protecting them.

By: Kiadum Edookor