News
Family cries foul play as mechanic d!es in Rivers police custody
- /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Police-1.jpg&description=Family cries foul play as mechanic d!es in Rivers police custody', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://naijablitznews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Police-1.jpg&description=Family cries foul play as mechanic d!es in Rivers police custody', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The Rivers State Police Command and the family of a motor mechanic, Chukwudi Okereke Abraham, at the Spare Parts Market in Ikoku on the Mile 2 axis of Port Harcourt are on a collision course over the cause of his death while in detention at the Octopus Strike Force Unit of the Police.
While the family alleged that Chukwudi was tortured while in detention at the Police Unit following his arrest, the police said the suspect was a kidnapper and a cultist, debunking the claim of torture.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday that the deceased was implicated in a case of kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that the late Chukwudi was involved in the abduction of a businesswoman in the Diobu area of the metropolis on September 7, 2023, saying the victim was held captive for one week and was released after her family paid a ransom of N3.5m.
She said the police held a meeting with the parents and spouse of the deceased, who were accompanied by two of their family legal representatives, and they agreed that the family would participate in the autopsy to determine the cause of his death.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of a press conference held on May 23, 2024, by a member of the Civil Society Organisations regarding the death of one Okereke Abraham Chukwudi, who was a suspect in police custody.
“The police would like to inform the public that the deceased was implicated in a case involving kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism. This relates to the kidnapping of a female business tycoon (name withheld) in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt on September 7, 2023.
“The victim was kidnapped by five armed gunmen and taken to a hideout in Elechi Waterside. The kidnappers were armed with AK-47 rifles, a pump-action shotgun, and locally-made pistols. The victim was held captive for seven days and was released after the victim’s family paid a ransom of ₦3.5 million.
“Investigations revealed that the deceased was a member of the Dey-Gbam secret cult gang. He and his accomplices purchased one of the AK-47 rifles used during the operation. Two of the kidnappers have been arrested, and they are also members of the Dey-Gbam cult group.
“Sometime last month, the police held a meeting with the parents and spouse of the deceased, who were accompanied by two of their family’s legal representatives. During this meeting, it was agreed that the family would participate in the autopsy to determine the cause of death.
“The case of the death of the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigations to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the circumstances surrounding this incident. We remain committed to ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the investigative process.”
Meanwhile, the father of the deceased, Abraham Okereke, said at a joint news briefing with the Rivers State Civil Society Organisation that his son is not a criminal, saying months after his arrest the police denied keeping him in their custody but that his remains were found at the University of Port Harcourt.
The distraught man stated, “On January 11, I was at Choba when I was called that my son was arrested. I thought it was a normal arrest, not knowing there was something behind it. My son is a mechanic.
“His junior brother said I should not worry that he would come back. Two days after I went to the Octopus Unit, they chased me. I started going from one police station to another, with my son’s wife and his younger brother.
“I went back to the Octopus again, but they chased me. I contacted Human Rights Watch to inform them. So after three days, the police brought my son to his shop and searched everywhere, but they didn’t see anything. They took him back.
“When I went back to the Octopus, they didn’t even allow me to enter the place again. So I went back to human rights, who promised to follow it up before I heard that they had killed my son.
Continuing, he said, “One of the policemen saw me on the road, stopped me, and asked if I was Chukwudi’s father. I said yes. I asked how he knew me because he wore a uniform, so I thought they wanted to kill me like they killed my son. He now said I will not see my son again because I don’t have a long leg to reach where he is.”
While fighting back tears, he said, “I want the government of Nigeria and Rivers State to come and help. Even the governor should assist me because, like the policeman said, I don’t have anybody. It is by the grace of God and the help of civil society that I saw my son’s corpse where the police hid it from me.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the State Civil Society Organisation, Enefaa Georgewill, faulted the police over its handling of the case.
Georgewill expressed sadness that even after the mechanic’s arrest on whatever allegations, the police didn’t make any effort to contact his wife or any family member, adding that even when they found out, they were denied access to him.
He explained that from January until about three weeks ago, when the family got wind of his detention at the Octopus Unit, they started visiting the facility, but that they neither allowed them nor their lawyers to see Chukwudi.
He alleged that “later a directive from the Inspector General of Police came instructing the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter within record time, but no action was taken until we (the CSO) approached the CP, who now assigned the matter to the State Criminal and Intelligence Department.”
Georgewill, however, said for a whole month he and the family were going to the State CID. It got to a point where the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Charge of the State CID told us that operatives of the Octopus Strike Force refused to honour his invitation.
Georgewill said, “In fairness to the CP, he called members of the Octopus Strike Force, and we all sat down. While we were discussing this for over four months, it was the first time the family of Chukwudi, members of civil society, and the lawyers handling the matter got to hear that Chukwudi Okereke Abraham was dead and that he died in the Octopus facility.
“Armed with that information, we asked how he died and where his body was. The corpse was at the UPTH mortuary.”
He added, “We insisted that an autopsy be carried out because they are claiming that he took ill in their custody, and they took him to the police clinic, where he was referred to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the UPTH. And that was where he was confirmed dead.”
The State CSO chairman expressed disappointment in the manner in which the police handled this matter, which spanned four months, and called for the arrest and prosecution of all operatives involved in the death of the mechanic.
He stated, “We are demanding that an autopsy be conducted immediately at the instance of the police to ascertain what caused the death of Chukwudi.
“We are demanding that the Commander of the Octopus Strike Force, who had the guts to keep a torture chamber in his facility as against the spirit of Section 7 of the Anti-Torture Act, who allowed his men to torture suspects, be immediately arrested and prosecuted in line with Section 7 of the Anti-Torture Act.
“We equally demand that all the officers directly involved in the torture and death of Chukwudi Abraham be brought to book. If actions are not taken immediately, the civil society in the state will be left with no other choice than to down tools within the ambits of the law.”
NaseniBy Gloria Ikibah
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has restated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sovereignty through local manufacturing of medical diagnostic technologies.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, affirmed this while hosting participants of the Harvard University-led Science of Defeating Malaria programme at a closing dinner in Abuja, following their visit to the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, where they commended the facility’s role in advancing disease control and healthcare innovation in Africa.
The delegation, led by Professor Dyann F. Wirth of Harvard University and comprising about 85 global health professionals, scientists and policymakers, toured the state-of-the-art facility and described it as a significant step towards combating malaria and other infectious diseases across the continent.
Speaking at the dinner, the NASENI boss noted that the commendation further validated the vision behind the NASENI-TROMENT Biotechnologies Factory, a strategic project initiated 18 months ago to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported diagnostic kits and strengthen local healthcare manufacturing capacity.
He explained that the facility is designed to produce up to 600 million diagnostic kits annually, enough to meet about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s diagnostic testing needs while creating opportunities for export to other African countries and global markets.
The factory manufactures rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) products under the N-CheckUP brand for diseases and conditions including malaria, hepatitis B and C, HIV, typhoid, syphilis, COVID-19, pregnancy and blood glucose monitoring.
According to Halilu, the project aligns with NASENI’s broader mandate of deploying science, technology and innovation to address national challenges, create jobs and build industrial capacity.
He expressed appreciation to Professor Wirth and members of the Harvard delegation for their recognition of the progress made at the facility and reaffirmed NASENI’s commitment to developing innovative solutions that improve lives and position Nigeria as a leading healthcare manufacturing hub in Africa.
The Science of Defeating Malaria programme, which was held in Abuja from June 7 to 13, brought together global experts committed to advancing strategies for malaria elimination and strengthening public health systems worldwide.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordering the deregistration of five political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Accord Party.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu of the Federal High Court reportedly directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately deregister the affected parties over alleged constitutional breaches in a ruling delivered on Monday, June 15.
Reacting to the judgment, Obi described the decision as another troubling development that could further erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the judiciary.
In a statement released on Monday, the former Anambra State governor argued that the court’s decision should be reversed, warning that weakening institutions for political purposes could have far-reaching consequences for the country.
According to Obi, the controversy surrounding the removal of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, had earlier raised concerns about the independence and sanctity of Nigeria’s institutions.
He noted that while investors can manage security and policy risks, uncertainty in the rule of law and perceptions of judicial vulnerability to political influence remain major deterrents to investment.
Strong economies are built on trust. Investors can manage security risks, policy risks, and even market risks. What they fear most is uncertainty in the rule of law and a judiciary that is perceived to be vulnerable to political pressure,” Obi stated.
The former presidential candidate lamented that many Nigerians have lost faith in institutions meant to protect them, adding that businesses increasingly prefer contracts governed by foreign jurisdictions due to greater confidence in their legal systems
Obi further argued that the judgment ordering the deregistration of the ADC and other political parties would further diminish public trust in the nation’s legal system.
“The Federal High Court judgment ordering the de-registration of the ADC and other political parties is just one of those activities that further reduces the common man’s trust in our legal systems. It should be reversed,” he said.
He pledged to work towards restoring the dignity, independence, and integrity of the judiciary, emphasizing the need for a justice system that is impartial, accessible, and respected by all.
“The common man must have a voice. The business community must be protected from legal uncertainty and intimidation. Justice must be impartial, accessible, and respected by all,” Obi added.
He also called on judges, senior advocates, legal luminaries, and lawyers across the country to defend the rule of law and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“To our judges, legal luminaries, senior advocates, and lawyers: this is your moment. Rise, defend the rule of law, take back your country,” he urged.
Obi concluded his statement with his popular refrain: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
The ruling has continued to generate debate among legal and political stakeholders, with many awaiting further reactions from the affected parties and the electoral commission.
…as elite policy institute fends off night raid
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, came under heavy attack on Monday night, June 15, 2026, as suspected attackers tried to breach Nigeria’s foremost policy school near Jos.
Two soldiers and one police officer were reportedly killed before security forces repelled the assault.
The attack began around 11:00 p.m.
Armed men attempted to force their way into the institute and reach the residential quarters where course participants were lodged, according to initial report by NewsmakersNG.
Sources said the slain police officer was the orderly attached to a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The two soldiers died in the exchange of fire that followed.
But the attackers were stopped. Security operatives stationed at NIPSS mounted swift resistance and blocked access to the participants’ wing.
“No participant was abducted because the security forces successfully repelled the attackers before they could enter the residential area,” a source familiar with the incident was quoted to have said.
—NIPSS confirms incident, urges calm—
In a press release issued early Tuesday, June 16, the institute confirmed a “security incident occurred in the vicinity of the Institute in the early hours of today.”
Management said the situation was “promptly brought under control through the swift response of security personnel and relevant security agencies.”
“There is currently no threat to the safety of participants, staff, residents, or facilities of the Institute, and normal activities are continuing as scheduled,” said Dr. Osime Samuel, mni, Head of Public Affairs.
The institute stressed that investigations were ongoing and it would be “premature to speculate on the nature, scope, or outcome of the event.”
NIPSS said it could not confirm details circulating on social media.
“We urge members of the public and the media to rely on official communications from the Institute and relevant security agencies,” the statement added.
–Manhunt begins, motive unclear–
As of press time, authorities had not released an official statement on the motive behind the attack.
Security has reportedly been reinforced around the institute as investigations and manhunt operations commenced.
NIPSS Kuru trains Nigeria’s top bureaucrats, military officers, and policy strategists. An attack on the institute is an attack on the country’s policy brain trust. That it was targeted at night, with participants inside, has raised fresh fears about insecurity reaching Nigeria’s elite institutions.
For now, the guns are silent. The participants are safe. But three security men paid with their lives to keep it that way.
NASENI Reiterates Commitment to Healthcare Innovation
Obi Slams Court Ruling Deregistering ADC, Accord, Three Other Political Parties
BREAKING: Gunmen storm NIPSS Kuru, kill two soldiers Police Officer
-
News21 hours agoJust in: Kwara traditional ruler reportedly dies in kidnappers hideout after demand of N21m ransom
-
News16 hours agoNigerian Ports Record Global Leap as Apapa, Tin Can Gain World Bank Recognition
-
News22 hours agoPrice of petrol expected to drop to N900 per litre as US-Iran opens way for Strait of Hormuz
-
News22 hours agoFinally, US-Iran deal announced with end to military warefare
-
News10 hours agoSokoto under siege as bandits bar farmers from farms impose new levies
-
Politics20 hours agoHours after Abuja Court ruling, another Court in Owerri rules against deregistration of party
-
News10 hours agoSad! Nigerian pilgrim dies in auto crash while returning from Holy Mosque in Saudi Arabia
-
News10 hours agoHow troops rescued Gen Rabe’s wife after being shot by bandits — Sources
Warning: Undefined variable $user_ID in /home/naijuinz/public_html/wp-content/themes/zox-news/comments.php on line 49
You must be logged in to post a comment Login