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

2026 Boy Child Day: Association Seeks Intentional Mentoring

Published

9 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Boy Child last Saturday, the Rivers Secondary Schools Old Boys and Girls 1983 Set Association has called for deliberate investment in raising boys who will become responsible heads of homes.

In a press release signed and issued by the Secretary-General of the Association, Dr. Ibinabo Ogolo, to commemorate the day, the Association said the future stability of Nigerian families depends on how intentionally boys are raised and guided.

Speaking on behalf of the Set, President of the Association, Barrister Tubokomba Mcdonald Harry, she said the theme of this year’s global celebration, “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes”, must move beyond slogans to daily practice in homes, schools, and communities.

“For years, advocacy has rightly centered on the girl child. That work must continue. But we cannot ignore the other side”, Barrister Harry stated.

“A boy who grows up without guidance, emotional literacy, and responsibility often becomes a man who struggles to lead, provide, and protect. If we want stable homes in 2040, we must invest in boys now”, he said.

He emphasized that being “head of the home” is about stewardship, not power: “The man who leads a home well is emotionally responsible, financially disciplined, morally upright, and a true partner to his spouse. These qualities are learned from childhood, through what boys see, hear, and practice.”

The Association noted that many boys currently learn manhood by default from peers, social media, and entertainment that equate masculinity with aggression and silence about pain.

To change this, the 1983 Set urged fathers and mentors to be present and active, schools to integrate life skills such as conflict resolution and financial literacy, and communities and faith groups to establish mentorship programmes where older men guide younger ones.

The press release also linked the issue to Africa’s wider goals, noting that the 2026 Day of the African Child focuses on water, sanitation, and hygiene.

“A boy trained to solve real problems becomes a man who ensures dignity for his family and community”, Harry said.

The Association concluded with a call to mothers, fathers, and boys themselves to take ownership of the task of raising responsible future leaders.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed globally on May 16. It is a day that focuses on the well-being, mental health and positive development of boys.

Rivers

Ogoni Landlords Seek Inclusion In Planned Oil Resumption Process

Published

9 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Flemotongha Miebi/Fortune Wokeh/Akpos David/Esuuk Oyet/Edughom Suotor

Landlords in Ogoni, under the aegis of Gokana,Tai, Eleme, and Khana United Landlords Association (GOTEKA) have called for inclusion in the ongoing negotiation over the planned resumption of oil production in Ogoniland.

The landlords,who made the call during its formal inauguration recently in Port Harcourt, also called for proper compensation, clear legal agreements, and inclusive dialogues in the entire process

Chairman of the Association, Professor George Ema, said any resumption of oil exploration in ogoniland without proper consultation with host communities and land owners will be resisted.

George said, while the association expressed support for the planned return of oil activities in ogoniland under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key historical issues must be addressed to avoid a repeat of earlier conflicts that led to the suspension of oil operations in the area.

According to GOTEKA, past disagreements between oil companies, political leaders, and host communities caused crises, court cases, and long-term disruption of oil production in Ogoni land, adding that these problems were responsible for the high level of poverty warranted by economic stagnation, social unrest, pipeline vandalism, and many legal battles in the area.

The landlords also referenced the struggles led by late environmental activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP), which opposed Shell’s activities in Ogoni land, resulting in years of unrest and court cases.

They stressed that the renewed plan for oil exploration must be guided by proper Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), fair compensation, and the direct involvement of landlords in negotiations to prevent cheating and conflict.

The group also raised concern over what they described as a repeated “divide and rule” approach in handling oil compensation in Ogoni. They said there is a lack of proper MOUs between oil companies and landlords, while compensation often goes to political leaders and traditional rulers instead of the real landowners.

GOTEKA added that land in Ogoni is owned by individuals and families, not the entire community.

According to the group, “under traditional land rules, owners have full rights over their land and can decide how it is used, including selling or leasing it. So, there must be proper agreement spelt out in the MOU, which must be signed by all the parties involved to avoid legal battles.

The group urged government, oil companies, and political leaders to respect traditional land ownership and adopt honest dialogue and peaceful negotiation in resolving issues.

Rivers

Police Warn Rivers Students Against Cultism, Drug Abuse

Published

9 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Rumuodomaya Police Station, CSP Dindara Dadamu, has warned students in Rivers State against involvement in cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that such acts could lead to imprisonment and destruction of their future.

He gave the warning recently during an anti-cultism and drug abuse sensitisation programme organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at Den-Bec Group of Schools in Port Harcourt.

Dadamu stated that the law does not exempt minors from punishment, noting that children from the age of 12 could still be prosecuted for criminal offences.

According to him, many young people are lured into cultism through peer pressure and bad company. He urged the students to be mindful of the friends they associate with.

The DCO stressed that ignorance of the law would not protect anyone from facing the consequences of unlawful conduct.

Also speaking, a representative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Ejiofor Ifeanyi, described cultism and drug abuse as destructive habits capable of ruining academic ambitions and promising careers.

He advised the students to avoid negative influences and remain focused on their education and personal development.

A mental health expert, Mr. Victor Akeni, noted that cultism and illicit drug use contribute significantly to emotional instability, fear and poor academic performance among youths.

He explained that cult members often live under constant fear of attacks and reprisals, making it difficult for them to concentrate on their studies or live peacefully.

The sensitisation programme brought together security agencies, mental health professionals, teachers and students as part of efforts to discourage social vices among young people.

The Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who spoke through a representative, Mrs. Anna West, encouraged the students to take advantage of opportunities provided through education and technology rather than engaging in unlawful activities.

Ogbuku also warned that cultism and drug abuse could result in imprisonment, violence and untimely death, and urged the students to embrace discipline, hard work and positive values.

By: King Onunwor