News
Task Force Denies Killing 75-Yr-Old Bureau de Change Operator

Following insinuations in some quarters that operatives of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading, Motor Parks and Mechanics had allegedly hacked an illegal bureau de change operator around the GRA Junction/Presidential Hotel/Rumuola axis of Port Harcourt to death over unexplained disagreements during a purported raid, the leadership of the task force has debunked the claim, and clearly exonerated its members from any misconduct or wrongdoing within the circumference.
A statement signed, yesterday, by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State on Illegal Street Trading/Motor Parks/Mechanics, Hon. Bright Amaewhule, made it abundantly clear that members of the task force were never involved in any scuffle or fight with any Hausa business operator in the state that resulted in the death of anyone.
The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the recent rumours being circulated round Port Harcourt and its environs regarding the alleged killing of a Bureau de Change agent around Rumuola axis by members of the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics.
“I want to state categorically that the Rivers State Government did not initiate the task force to kill any of her citizens; rather it is aimed at restoring sanity and standard way of living amongst its citizens.
Therefore, the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics dissociates itself from such misleading information being peddled by those who seek to defame the Rivers State Government in such negative manner.
“I also want to inform the general public that the state government has already swung into action to actually know the cause of his death, therefore, we urge all to be law abiding and continue with their normal activities as everything is under control.
“Lastly, I want to send a strong warning to those peddling fake news about the Rivers State Task Force on Illegal Street Trading/Illegal Motor Parks/Illegal Mechanics to desist from such act or face the law if caught,” Amaewhule added.
Speaking later in an exclusive interview with The Tide, yesterday, Hon. Bright Amaewhule, in insisted that no member of the task force harassed or confronted any Hausa bureau de change operator in any part of the state capital, including the GRA area of Port Harcourt.
He said that the task force was poised to discharge its duties and responsibilities in a fair and civilised manner, adding that it would not yield to false claims and cheap blackmail by some disgruntled members of the public who do not want to obey the law of the state.
The state coordinator dismissed claims that members of the task force had arrested and were detaining some operators of illegal bureau de change outfits in the state, arguing that allegations of extortion by the task force were unfounded and had no basis.
The victim, whose name was not immediately known as at the time of this report, was confirmed dead following alleged harassment and beating by men of the task force who had raided the neighbourhood, believed to be a beehive of black market operators of foreign currency exchange.
The Tide gathered that immediately after the incident and the death of the victim, social media influencers quickly posted the picture of the deceased on various social media platforms, especially Facebook, which went viral, and drew spontaneous but aggressive response from fellow illegal bureau de change operators around the area, supported by area boys who took advantage of the situation to cause social disorder by barricading all roads around the area, including the ever-busy Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, Presidential Road and GRA Junction, leading into Tombia Street.
Following the protest by Hausa traders and hoodlums, there was palpable pandemonium around the GRA Junction/Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway, through Rumuola Junction as riot police detachments were deployed to bring the situation under control, and clear the roads of debris to allow motorists and road users unhindered access to vehicular movement and guarantee their freedom of movement.
An eyewitness, who gave his name simply as Mr Chijioke, said: “The Zone 7 Team of the task force that has been troubling this area came here and killed a Hausa man. The man (victim) came from Slaughter area to this place to see his brother. While he was standing here, the task force guys came and held him. They searched him and collected the money in his pocket.
Chijioke, who is also a currency trader, said, “They started beating and dragging him on the floor. The man collapsed and died in their hands, and they all ran back into their vehicle and drove away. They didn’t know that the man was hypertensive”.
Another eyewitness, David Simon, explained that the task force visited the area regularly to arrest people and also force them to pay N120,000 as fine for operating illegal bureau de change in the area.
Simon stressed, “They came earlier and arrested an old man here. They took him and returned him later after beating him. We are not hawking, we only stand here and ask people if they want to change money, but this task force attacks us every day.
“When they come here and arrest anybody, the person will bail himself with N120,000.00. And they keep coming here to arrest people. Right now, they have over seven people they arrested here in their custody”, Simon added.
When contacted, the Rivers State Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the incident, quickly added that the police were still investigating the matter to determine the cause of death of the alleged currency dealer.
Omoni vowed to fish out those connected with the death of an operator of Bureau de Change, BDC, Ladan Yusuf, aged 75.
The police image maker said that the assurance became necessary to douse tension created by the incident that paralysed economic and social activities in Port Harcourt due to the protests by the Hausa Community in Port Harcourt over the death of their kinsman.
Earlier, the Chairman of Arewa Consultative Forum, Musa Saidu, who identified the victim, said the remains of the late Yusuf were to be buried yesterday in Port Harcourt according Islamic rites.
News
EFCC Recovered N365.4bn, Secured 4,111 Convictions In 2024 -Olukoyede
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it recovered over N365.4bn and secured 4,111 convictions in 2024.
The commission’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the end of a three-day Retreat for Directors with the theme “EFCC: The Journey So Far, Ensuring Professionalism and Integrity.”
Olukoyede, in a statement by the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Saturday, attributed the feat achieved to the commitment, sacrifices and dedication of staff, promising to surpass the record in 2025.
“In 2024, the commission secured 4,111 convictions and hauled monetary recovery of over N365.4billion. The EFCC’s boss appreciated the sacrifice, hard work, and discipline, and called for increased dedication to surpass the records of 2024 and greater commitment to the integrity of processes in the agency,” the statement read.
The chairman emphasised the need to uphold professionalism and integrity in the fight against corruption, adding that the EFCC’s workforce would turn out to be a critical mass of honest, highly motivated and effective team.
He further assured all that in another six months, he would deliver a brand new EFCC in Nigeria.
Speaking on the “Role of Personnel in Information Management and Public Perception of the EFCC”, former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Professor Tonnie Iredia, who was one of the resource persons, emphasised that wrong perception of the works of the EFCC was coming out of deliberate distortion and outright cynicism about the strides and courageous works of the Commission.
He applauded the “passion, integrity, and transparent leadership Olukoyede is offering the Commission” and called for more involvement of Nigerians in the anti-graft fight.
In his remarks, human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, who examined the evolution of EFCC affirmed that “the commission has come to stay.”
He commended Olukoyede and the entire staff of the commission for being undaunted, resolute and progressive in moving the anti-graft war forward, promising that challenges being posed by the judiciary would be looked into to ensure that the commission fully delivers on its mandate of tackling corrupt practices across the country.
News
Fubara Explains How RSHA Stalled Budget Presentation
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that he was denied access into the premises of the Assembly Quarters to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill despite formally notifying the leadership of the House of Assembly of his readiness to do so.
Governor Fubara made the explanation during the inauguaration of the Bori Zonal Hospital in Khana Local Government Area of the State on Wednesday.
The Governor emphasised that, in complying with the Supreme Court judgment, it was pertinent for every actor to be more interested in saving the economy of the State and ensure that public sector workers are not subjected to untold hardship.
Governor Fubara stated: “For that reason, I made all frantic efforts to reach the Speaker, which I believe, he cannot deny that, and other members of the Assembly.
“I went further to send WhatsApp information to him and others, notifying them that I will be coming by 10 O’clock this morning to present the budget so that there won’t be any reason why Rivers State will be in any fix because of me, as being alleged.
“But it was unfortunate when we got there this morning, we were denied access, and the next story I am hearing is that we didn’t make any communication. But I leave it to God who sees in secret places.”
Governor Fubara emphasised that he did everything that needed to be done to ensure that the situation was properly sorted out, but believes that when the lawmakers get instruction, maybe, later, they will comply with the Supreme Court judgment.
The Governor said: “I had to bring this up because I am aware of some news going round in the media that there was no communication, and that I was not complying. They even said that I was not making any effort. So, I feel it is an opportunity here where everybody can hear from me and understand the situation that we are facing.
“Like I said, nothing lasts forever. Even the greatest power, one day, it will end. What is most important is what we do with the power, and I have chosen, even if I have the power as they claim, and that I don’t know how to use it, I do not intend to abuse my powers.
“Because power, when you abuse it, is what leads to this kind of situation. I will not abuse it. I will continue to work and operate with so much restraint because I know that there is life after power.”
Commenting on the project, Governor Fubara said it is very satisfying to see to the fulfilment of an aspect of the agenda of his administration, which is ‘Rivers First’, particularly in healthcare delivery.
Governor Fubara explained the promise made to Rivers people by his administration to improve healthcare delivery, enhance provision of quality education, robust agriculture, and the protection of lives and property, which he said, are pursued assiduously.
The Governor recalled that the project being inauguarated was initiated during the administration of Chibuike Amaechi and inherited by the immediate past administration but could not drive it to completion.
Governor Fubara said: “When we came on board, we saw there is need to ensure that all the Zonal Hospitals, not just Bori, all the Zonal Hospitals we have in Etche, Ahoada, Omoku and Degema are completed.
“The essence of these secondary facilities is to reduce the pressure in the teaching hospitals. If you go to the teaching hospitals, you will see the number of our people struggling to get quality services.
‘So, we felt if the Zonal Hospitals are properly fixed up to standard, there won’t be need of this issue of scrambling in order to get medical attention in our teaching hospitals. And for that reason, we didn’t end by just fixing it the way we met it, we believe that it will be proper this facility is expanded and everything that is needed in a standard health facility is provided. And, I can tell you, to the glory of God today, those things are all in this compound.”
Governor Fubara, who said the health of Rivers people, their wellbeing and success are paramount, directed the Commissioner for Health to ensure that the facility is open for use immediately.
Providing the project description, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said the Bori Zonal Hospital is not just a building but a symbol of progress, hope, and a brighter future wherein the people at the grassroots will be offered world-class medical services.
Dr Oreh stated: “This Zonal Hospital, is a 105-bed capacity secondary healthcare facility located in Bori, Khana Local Government Area. It is housed in a three storey building with support buildings, including a laundry, mortuary, staff quarters for 24 health personnel and their households, parking for 50 vehicles.
“It is specially important to note, Your Excellency, that giving your attention to the health sector, health facility attendance in Rivers South-East alone has increased by nearly 60 percent from about 589,000 patients in 2022 to nearly 1,000,000 between 2022 and 2024.
“The project objectives were first to provide referral secondary healthcare services with high quality equipment, which has been supplied by JNCI Limited for diagnosis and patients management of surgical cases, high risk pregnancies, trauma, critical healthcare conditions, newborn injuries and complications, and importantly, mental health issues to residents of Ogoniland and Rivers South-East Senatorial District.”
In her welcome address, Head of Local Government Administration of Khana Local Government Council, Mrs Helen Chiorlu, said the Bori Zonal Hospital, located in the heart of Khana Local Government Area is a magnificent edifice that stands as a testament to the commitment of Governor Fubara to uplift and transform the living standards and health status of the people.
News
Abalama Reception: A Sinister Plot To Incriminate Us -Asari Dokubo

The Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri, Da Amakiri Tubo, Alhaji Mujahid Dokubo Asari, Dabaye Amakiri I, has alleged that the organisers of the Abalama reception for the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, had a hidden agenda, to provoke a crisis and frame him as the mastermind in a bid to tarnish his reputation.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday at his Obuama residence, Dokubo stated that credible intelligence exposed the plot, in response to which he addressed the world in a live broadcast and withdrew his Royal Fouche Security Services Ltd personnel from the Emohua/Kalabari Road to prevent any escalation.
“We heard rumours that some Kalabari people working with the FCT Minister were planning a reception for him. But beneath this so-called reception was a scheme to entangle us; the Royal Fouche Security Services, in a premeditated crisis, where they had intended to attack themselves and falsely accuse us of instigating the violence.
“I went live and alerted the world about this sinister plot orchestrated by Wike’s supporters,” he stated.
This was contained in a statement by Dokubo’s Chief Press Secretary and palace spokesman, Daerefa-a Christopher Braide.
Dokubo questioned why the event organisers blatantly ignored the traditional ruler of Abalama, who had earlier advised against hosting the reception due to security concerns, emphasizing that this disregard signaled ulterior motives behind the gathering.
He condemned the use of teargas and physical assault by security agents on unarmed women, which included his younger sister and serving member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Boma Goodhead.
“These women merely expressed their displeasure over Wike’s reckless statement belittling the entire Ijaw Nation, yet they were met with violence. Such actions are unacceptable.
The traditional ruler described Wike’s comments about the Ijaw people as reckless, provocative, and deeply unfortunate, warning that Rivers Ijaws, who occupy nine out of the 23 local government areas (LGAs), had taken note of Wike’s derogatory remarks and would respond at the appropriate time.
“Anyone who underestimates the fury of the Ijaw people is a fool. Whether Wike was under the influence of hard drugs or alcohol, it is said that ‘out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.’
“I do not wish to dwell on these matters, but let me be clear—if Wike continues down this path, what he is looking for, I pray it does not happen because if it does, let him gather all his forces, Ijaw people are equal to the task, we will vanquish all of them put together.”
Dokubo also rebuked Ijaw politicians who aligned with Wike, referring to them as “Amaderi-apu” (saboteurs), noting that; “A time of reckoning is coming for those who betray their own people for personal gain.”
He traced Wike’s political rise to the benevolence of Ijaw figures such as Marshal Harry and Patience Jonathan, arguing that Wike had betrayed everyone who helped him attain power.
“Marshal Harry made him a local government chairman. Goodluck and Patience Jonathan made him governor. He once worshiped at their feet, but today, look at his actions. Politicians make the mistake of empowering those they think they can control. Now, he turns around to insult the Ijaw people. How?”
Asari Dokubo cautioned President Bola Tinubu to be wary of Wike’s treacherous nature, labeling him a serial betrayer of his benefactors.
“Wike once bowed and shook Tinubu’s hands with both hands. Now, he shakes him with just one. A betrayer remains a betrayer. The way he will betray Tinubu will be far worse than what he did to Goodluck Jonathan.
“Tinubu must watch his back. Many daggers are aimed at him. Let him not end up like Julius Caesar, crying ‘Et tu, Brute?’”
Commenting on the ongoing Rivers State political crisis, the Amanyanabo of Torusarama Piri condemned the Supreme Court justices for what he termed judicial overreach, stressing that Rivers people would not accept a judgment that contradicts the Constitution.
“The Supreme Court has turned into Santa Claus, handing out rulings on cases it has no jurisdiction over, creating unnecessary crises in Rivers State.”
He questioned the hasty implementation of the controversial Supreme Court judgment that removed local government chairmen from office, criticizing Governor Siminalayi Fubara for swiftly removing the local government chairmen, accusing him of acting too hastily.
“Yes, the Supreme Court is final, but what happens when it oversteps its jurisdiction? It has no authority over local government elections. That power ends at the High Court.”
He also criticized the court for importing legal arguments that were not before it, particularly the defection of 27 House of Assembly members.
“The Supreme Court ruled on a matter it was never asked to decide on. The defection case is still ongoing at the court of first instance, yet the Supreme Court imposed its judgment. This contradicts legal precedents, including the Plateau case where defectors lost their seats.
“We have always been told that courts do not give judgments on matters not before them. But today, the Supreme Court has become Father Christmas, handing out rulings like gifts.
“The people of Rivers State must rise against this injustice. They must not remain silent in the face of tyranny.”
He also ridiculed Wike’s threats, dismissing them as empty words.
“Wike says ‘when the law speaks, Asawana will run, Asawana will die.’ But did Asawana run? Did Asawana die? No! You do not push a people beyond their limits, because when they finally react, you will see the true consequences of your actions,” he concluded.
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