By Tina Amanda

As Rivers State Police Command vows to clampdown on all cultism and other related crimes in the state, Its team of officers deployed to the Ogbologbo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area, has on Monday, April 8, 2024, brought an end to the reign of terror of one Ikem ThankGod, popularly known as General 2man.

General 2man, a close ally of the now neutralized 2Baba and General Odereke, was a terror in the Ahoada West Local Government Area and other neighboring Local Government Areas.

According to the Command, some of the 2man nefarious activities include the shooting to death of Inspector Usang Ude on April 13, 2023.

“On March 5, 2024, he also murdered four persons, namely, Henry Kirirka, Patience Henry, Abigail Victor, and Chigozie Okpo. He also slaughtered one Samuel Philip without provocation. Last month, he buried several persons alive, including Christmas Ede and Agode Gamany.

“He has carried out a lot of kidnapping activities within and outside the Ahoada West Local Government Area. His catalog of criminal activities includes armed robbery and vandalization of valuable properties. He coordinates the deroofing of public buildings and the selling of the roofing sheets.

“He also constituted himself as an authority that approves social events within the Local Government Area. This has made him attack and disrupt weddings, burials, etc., which he did not approve of.

“During the operation, General 2man and his gang opened fire on the Police tactical team. Though he was able to evade arrest, his second-in-command, ThankGod Uchechi aka, ‘Pastor SP,’ and his third-in-command, ‘Western King’ Okpo Emenike were fatally wounded. Several gang members escaped with gunshot injuries, and two loaded AK-47 rifles and eight magazines were recovered from the gang. Concerted efforts are in top gear to bring General 2man and his fleeing gang members to justice and put an end to his reign of terror”.

The Commissioner of Police Rivers State Command, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, while commending the tactical team for their efforts, reiterates his commitment to fighting crimes in the state. He equally urged members of the public to feed the police with reliable information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects and other criminal elements in the state.

CP Disu however urged residents to join hands with the police to combat crimes in the state.

In the bustling world of Nollywood, one name stood out: Adejumoke Aderounmu, famously known as “Esther” from Funke Akindele’s Jenifa’s Diary. On April 6, 2024, she bid farewell, leaving behind memories cherished by fans and colleagues alike.

Born on March 26, 1984, in Abeokuta, Adejumoke’s passion for acting blossomed early. After completing her education, she dove headfirst into the industry, making her mark in both English and Yoruba cinema.

Her breakout role as Esther in Jenifa’s Diary catapulted her to fame in 2016. Fans loved her portrayal of the resilient character, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Beyond Jenifa’s Diary, Adejumoke showcased her talent in various movies, including Dazzling Mirage and Alakada 2. She wasn’t just an actress; she also excelled as an on-air personality and producer.

As we reflect on Adejumoke Aderounmu’s life, we celebrate her passion for her craft and the indelible mark she left on Nollywood. Though she may have left us, her legacy lives on through the characters she brought to life on screen.

By Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi

The Edo State House of Assembly has impeached the embattled deputy governor, Philip Shaibu.

The impeachment, today, Monday, followed the adoption of the report of the 7-man investigative panel set up by the Assembly to probe allegations of misconduct against Shaibu.

The impeachment proceedings culminated in a dramatic vote that saw Shaibu ousted from his position.

The 7-man investigative panel had forwarded its report to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa.

Headed by Justice Stephen A. Omonuwa (Rtd), the panel had, on Thursday, ruled that it would adjourn for the last time on Friday. This was to give the respondent, Shaibu, time to defend himself over the allegations leveled against him.

Thursday’s ruling by the panel was a sequel to the absence of Shaibu and his counsel when the panel sat on Thursday.

At the panel’s inaugural sitting on Wednesday, Shaibu was represented by Professor Oladoyin Awoyale (SAN).
He informed the panel that he would not be continuing with the panel’s proceedings on the ground that an Abuja High Court had asked all parties before it, in a case of enforcement of fundamental human rights instituted by him, to come on Monday, April 8, to show cause on why it should or should not grant the reliefs sought.

When the panel overruled the objection, Awoyale (SAN) sought the permission of the panel to excuse himself.

Ruling on the development, the chairman of the panel said: “The panel adjourned sitting for the last time for today to allow the respondent to defend himself.

“The panel shall retire to go and write its report as required by the constitution,” Justice Omonuwa (Rtd) ruled.

A source told TPCN in confidence that the Edo deputy governor’s impeachment is a culmination of a frosty relationship between him and the governor, Obaseki. “For some time now, they have not enjoyed a robust relationship. It has rather been more of a cold war and silent quarrel. So, some of us who knew what was happening are not surprised by this impeachment. Somehow, it was bound to happen,” our source explained. Meanwhile, following the impeachment of Shaibu, Governor Godwin Obaseki has appointed Omobayo Godwin as his new deputy. The latter’s inauguration ceremony is billed to take place on Monday in Edo State Government House.

By Tina Amanda

A Frontline Social Commentator and Environmentalist in Rivers State, Dr Douglas Fabeke has cautioned state lawmakers loyal to the FCT minister against embarking on unwholesome activities to frustrate the smooth administration of governor Siminialayi Fubara.

Dr Douglas Fabeke who stated this in an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt, expressed worry that the current political tension in the state may drive away potential investors if not addressed.

Fabeke who is the African National Coordinator, United Mission For Rural and Urban Africa Community Empowerment, threatened to petition different embassies to place visa bans on politicians causing political instability in the State and appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to caution the FCT Minister from making utterances capable of heightening the political atmosphere in the state.

“The twenty-seven members who had resigned their position as a member of Rivers State House Assembly have continued to constitute political tension in the state by continuing to pass anti-people’s Bill one of which is the Bill seeking to elongate the tenure of office of the twenty-three (23) local government council Chairmen whose tenures are expected to elapse in few weeks without the views and opinions of the generality of Rivers people.

“We call on President Ahmed Tinubu to call Barrister Nyesom Wike to order. The President should not allow himself to be used by the Minister and his loyalists to cause political instability in Rivers State.

“We advise these twenty-seven members and whoever is supporting them to allow the Rivers State governor to concentrate on delivering good governance to the people of Rivers State and they should stop further action of disturbing the peace of the state”.

He however warned that if the attack on Governor Fubara is not stopped, the organization will take every necessary step that will affect the politicians involved in this crisis in the next ten (10) years.

“United Mission For Rural and Urban Africa Community Empowerment will work with the international community towards placing a visa ban on all of them and their families if this action is not stopped.

“We will also do an international profiling to blacklist any crisis actor in Rivers State”.

By Tina Amanda

Tension is said to be rising in Diobu axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as gunmen suspected to be cultists on Saturday night, 6 April 2024, shot dead a member of Diobu vigilante group at Obidanso waterfront, Mile 1 Diobu.

Our Correspondent gathered that members of the vigilante group in the company of Police acting on information stormed the waterfront at about 9 pm on Saturday where the suspected cultists were hibernating to launch an attack on rivals in an ongoing war between two houses of suspected Deygbam cult groups.

According to a source the suspected cultists on sighting the security operatives, opened fire and bullets caught the vigilante member by the name Orukwo which resulted in his death.

Our correspondent who visited the family house of Orukwo at Ekwulobia Street, Mile 3 Diobu, reported that sympathizers and mourners were seen weeping.

Meanwhile, the Spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe Koko, has confirmed the killing of Uche Orukwo, while noting that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.

In a similar incident, gunmen suspected to be cultists murdered one ‘Umo’ an ex-vigilante member at about 11:10 pm on Saturday night, 6 April, 2024, at Kaduna Street D-line, Port Harcourt.

Our Correspondent gathered that the said Umo was alleged to be a member of a cult group which led to his sack from the vigilante group over criminal activities.

Information gathered revealed that a rival cult group may have been responsible for the killing of Umo.

The Spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, While Confirming the killing of Umo, said the deceased was a known notorious criminal.

By Brave Dickson

The Alabo Edi-Abali of Kalabari Kingdom, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari has told Islamic leaders such as the Imams and other wealthy Muslims to stop receiving Zakat and start giving Zakat, adding that Zakat was designed by Allah to lift the poor.

Zakat is an Islamic financial term and it is one of the pillars of the faith. It requires all Muslims to donate a portion of their wealth to charity. Muslims must meet a certain threshold before they can qualify for Zakat. The amount is 2.5% or 1/40 of an individual’s total savings and wealth.

According to Asari: “Zakat is compulsory on everyone of us. You have to go and make sure you get the rice, the garri or whatever is commonly eaten in your environment and give it to those around you who do not have,” as he also urged them to do it before the end of Ramadan.

“It is good for you to give out. To be a Muslim is a privileged. And that is why Muslims will never be in agreement with other people because most religions take God as their servant.

“In the Quran, Allah said there is a solution to every problem. Islam basically preaches human relationships especially what you can do for humanity.

“Zakat is not for the Imam. Zakat is not for the Mallam. Zakat is for the poor amongst us. Once your wealth is Zakatable, you must pay Zakat and it goes to the less privileged amongst us so you can lift them up.

“Islam is humanity centred. If the rich Muslims in this country can pay their Zakat to lift the poor within their localities, the issue of poverty would have been addressed in this country.”

“A lot of people don’t want to help because they are afraid of becoming poor after helping others,” he said.

The Katsina State Police Command has achieved remarkable success in March. Through diligent efforts, they’ve tackled various crimes, from armed robbery to kidnapping, with notable results.

According to ASP Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu, the spokesperson for the command, their operations led to the rescue of over 100 kidnapped victims and the neutralization of five suspected bandits. Additionally, they managed to recover 658 rustled animals, marking a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the state.

The command’s proactive stance against crime also resulted in the arrest of individuals involved in other nefarious activities. During the month, they apprehended 11 murder suspects and 29 alleged rapists, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to maintaining law and order.

Out of the 51 reported major crime incidents, 30 were diligently pursued by law enforcement, leading to charges against 64 suspects. These individuals faced various allegations, including armed robbery, intimidation, incitement, theft, and association with criminal gangs.

The commitment of the Katsina State Police Command extends beyond crime-fighting. In a solemn ceremony, financial assistance totaling over N4.5 million was provided to 13 families of deceased police officers. This support, facilitated by Deputy Commissioner of Police, Finance and Administration, DCP Aminu Usman-Gusau, aims to ease the burden on families who tragically lost their loved ones while serving the community.

DCP Aminu Usman-Gusau emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices made by these fallen officers. Through initiatives like the Group Life and Inspector General of Police Family Welfare Insurance Schemes, the command strives to provide support and stability to grieving families during their time of need.

The Katsina State Police Command’s relentless efforts not only combat crime but also ensure that the sacrifices of fallen heroes are remembered and honored. This commitment to serving and protecting the community remains unwavering, reflecting their dedication to upholding law and order in Katsina State.

By Tina Amanda

The Rivers State Police Command has demonstrated its unwavering commitment in combating the menace of kidnapping within the region.

In a recent development, an intensive operation conducted by the police has resulted in the successful arrest of five individuals suspected to be involved in various criminal activities, including kidnapping and cultism.

In a press statement signed by the Police Public relations officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the investigation was initiated following a report made by the management of Lujo Heights Homes on January 19, 2024.

The report detailed the disappearance of four staff members during a routine property inspection in Okocha Community, Igbo-Etche, Etche Local Government Area, despite repeated attempts to establish contact, there was no response from the missing individuals.

The statement reads: “Through meticulous intelligence-gathering efforts, the police apprehended four suspects believed to be connected to the incident. The arrested individuals have been identified as Yahaya Bello, Aliyu Usman, Sule Abubakar, and Abdullahi Adamu. During questioning, these suspects confessed to their involvement in the abduction of the victims, as well as the subsequent destruction of the Toyota Sequoia SUV they were traveling in.

“The victims, who endured a harrowing ordeal in the forests of Etche, recounted being subjected to inhumane treatment and constant threats of death unless a ransom of NGN 300,000,000 was paid for their release.

“Investigations revealed that these individuals are part of a criminal network predominantly comprised of Fulani individuals operating under the guise of cattle rearers, they have been engaged in a series of kidnappings across Rivers, Delta, and Edo states. In Port Harcourt, they had taken up residence in Valley Decision Estate, where they deceitfully convinced the community to grant them access to the land, purportedly for protection against land grabbers.

“Aliyu Usman, aged 33 and hailing from Kebbi State, emerged as a central figure in the criminal operations. He had been working as a security guard in Valley Decision Estate, Rumukwurushi, facilitating the infiltration of criminals. Aliyu has a previous history of involvement in armed robbery.

“Sule Abubakar, aged 25 was brought into the gang by Aliyu with the aim of strengthening their criminal activities in Port Harcourt. During interrogation, Sule confessed to his participation in his first kidnapping assignment in Edo State, alongside his elder brother who is currently at large.

“Abdullahi Adamu, aged 20 from Taraba State, had recently arrived in Port Harcourt and was undergoing training in criminal operations under the guidance of Aliyu.

‘Furthermore, Mallam Yahaya, who had been supplying food to the captors, was also apprehended. He admitted to receiving a sum of NGN 470,000 as his share of the ransom.

“During the operations, the police were able to recover two locally-made pistols, two smartphones, and a black Toyota Sequoia belonging to the gang. Investigations are currently underway to apprehend other members of the criminal network who are still at large.

“In a separate operation, the Anti-Cultism Unit successfully arrested a notorious cultist and kidnapper known as Godfrey Odum. Godfrey was implicated in the abduction of Precious Chukwu, a student of Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.

“The victim was eventually released after being robbed of her belongings. Godfrey has confessed to the crime and has provided crucial information regarding the identities of other gang members involved”.

However, the Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, expressed his commendation for the outstanding efforts of the officers of Rivers State Police Command in combatting crime and ensuring the safety of residents.

He advised residents to be careful when hiring security personnel and reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to rid the state of criminal elements.

The Commissioner urged all residents to remain law-abiding citizens and to cooperate with the police in their efforts to maintain peace and security within the state.

“The Rivers State Police Command continues to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and protection of all residents. The public is urged to provide any relevant information that may assist in ongoing investigations”.

By Brave Dickson

The statement credited to the defected lawmakers of the Rivers State House of Assembly to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara has continued to generate condemnation by the people of Rivers State.

The lawmakers led by Martin Amaewhule had recently said if impeaching Fubara would help uphold the Constitution, they would not hesitate to impeach him.

But a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Ajasin Vincent has condemned the fresh impeachment threat, insisting that the governor has done nothing wrong to warrant his impeachment.

He said, “The move to impeach Fubara by the defected lawmakers is not justifiable as the governor has done nothing wrong.

“The governor had severally asked the lawmakers to tell Rivers people the impeachable offense he has committed, which none of them could tell the public.

“The lawmakers are only antagonizing the governor in order to serve the political interest of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who claimed to have bought their nomination forms and single-handedly got them elected.

“These lawmakers who defected from APC to PDP should also not forget that the constitution has declared their seats vacant and therefore ceased to exist as members of the state House of Assembly.”

The stalwart also faulted the governor for implementing the peace pact which was facilitated by President Bola Tinubu, saying that Fubara made a mistake in honoring the agreement.
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