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Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Ahoada DPO in Rivers

Published

3 weeks ago

February 12, 2026

Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Ahoada DPO in Rivers

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced four individuals to death by hanging for their involvement in the brutal killing of Superintendent of Police (SP) Bako Amgbashim, the former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Division. The verdict, delivered on Thursday, February 12, 2026, marks a major milestone in a high-profile case that captured national attention nearly three years ago.

Justice Sika Aprioku, presiding over the case, found Robinson Sonabari, a native doctor; Bright Okparawo; Precious Amaeze, popularly known as “Selina”; and Loveday Jack, also called “Ragged Excess,” guilty of conspiracy, murder, membership of a secret cult group, and robbery. The judge ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the four convicts be executed by hanging, the maximum penalty under Nigerian law.

Additionally, Samuel Nwadinma, the sixth defendant, was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment. One defendant was discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence, while five others — previously found guilty of cult group membership — were freed after the court noted they had already served the statutory term while in custody.

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The case arose from the murder of SP Bako Amgbashim on September 8, 2023, during a police operation in Odemude community, Ahoada East Local Government Area. The officer was ambushed and killed by suspected cultists, and his body was reportedly mutilated, sparking widespread outrage and prompting intensified security operations in the area.

During the trial, it emerged that Robinson Sonabari played a key role, allegedly preparing the charm used to execute the attack on the late DPO. Prosecutors presented eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and confessions, while the defense failed to disprove the charges, leading to the death sentences.

Speaking to journalists after the ruling, lead prosecution counsel Chigozie Amadi of the Rivers State Ministry of Justice described the judgment as a triumph of justice. He was joined by Celestine Dickson, representing the Nigeria Police, who condemned the rising attacks on law enforcement officers and stressed that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to criminal elements targeting security personnel.

Akasco Amgbashim, elder brother of the slain officer, expressed relief at the verdict, thanking the judiciary, the state government, and the police for pursuing justice. He emphasized that the ruling should remind all that no one has the right to unlawfully take another person’s life.

The four condemned convicts were among 72 individuals originally arraigned before the court by a joint prosecution team from the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Rivers State Police Command. During the trial, 61 defendants, including traditional ruler Eze Kelvin Anugwo and former Ahoada East Council Chairman Cassidy Ikegbidi, were discharged and acquitted due to lack of evidence, leaving 13 to face final judgment.

Thursday’s verdict brings closure to a case that began with the tragic murder of SP Amgbashim, reinforced by joint security operations that later led to the killing of a suspected cult leader, David Okparanwo (“2Baba”), believed to have orchestrated the attack. The judgment is seen as a strong statement that violent crimes against law enforcement officers will not go unpunished.

Four Sentenced to Death for Murder of Ahoada DPO in Rivers

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Ex‑Otukpo LG Chairman Shot Dead as Fresh Attacks Kill 12 in Benue

Published

32 minutes ago

March 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Benue State Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari

Ex‑Otukpo LG Chairman Shot Dead as Fresh Attacks Kill 12 in Benue

Gunmen have assassinated a former Local Government Area chairman in Otukpo, Benue State, as violence continues to escalate in the region, with a separate attack in Kwande Local Government Area claiming at least 12 lives and leaving several others injured.

On Thursday night, Honourable Udeh Ijachi, a former caretaker chairman of Otukpo LGA, was gunned down in front of Okabido Hotel, where he was lodging. Eyewitnesses said the assailants approached him, fired multiple shots at close range, and fled immediately, leaving residents in shock. Ijachi’s younger brother, Ejeh Ijachi, had also been killed under similar circumstances in September 2025, highlighting a disturbing trend of targeted killings in the area. Ijachi had survived several prior assassination attempts following a 2017 crisis that claimed eight lives, including that of a former state PDP chairman, Maj Lawrence Ugboh (retd).

Confirming the attack, Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri described the killing as “shocking, painful, and unacceptable” and urged security agencies to investigate thoroughly to prevent further incidents. He noted the brazen nature of the assassination, emphasizing the need for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

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In a related and violent incident, at least 12 people were killed in attacks on villages in Kwande LGA, including Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in the Yaav and Mbadura Council Wards. Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings as “barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable,” extending condolences to the families of the victims and affirming his administration’s commitment to restoring peace. He called on residents to cooperate with security forces while ensuring the deployment of additional personnel to conflict-prone areas like Jato Aka and surrounding communities.

Residents described horrifying attacks by suspected herdsmen, forcing men, women, children, and the elderly to flee their homes in panic. Some victims were injured, while others remain missing. Named victims of the Kwande attacks include Shagba Tyokase, Shagba Terease, Liambee Yohane, Tordue Dooshima, Akule John, Adezamber Gyuse, and Terundu Tyozuur. Survivors are currently receiving medical treatment, with some still in critical condition.

These twin incidents underscore the escalating insecurity in Benue State, where clashes between armed groups, suspected herdsmen, and local communities continue to claim lives and displace residents. Authorities and community leaders are calling for urgent and coordinated security interventions to protect citizens, restore peace, and address the underlying causes of violence, including land disputes, herding conflicts, and ethnic tensions.

Ex‑Otukpo LG Chairman Shot Dead as Fresh Attacks Kill 12 in Benue

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Nigeria Immigration Service Denies Connection as Cleric Scams Nigerians in US

Published

40 minutes ago

March 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria Immigration Service Denies Connection as Cleric Scams Nigerians in US

A growing number of Nigerians living in the United States have fallen victim to a suspected passport scam allegedly orchestrated by a Texas-based man identified only as “KO”, who claims to be a Prophet of the Most High God. The suspect reportedly defrauded citizens under the guise of a “Passport Intervention Program”, claiming connections with the Nigeria Consulate in Atlanta. KO is said to operate through a Texas-registered company, Global Tours and Partyride LLC, promoting fast-tracked passport processing and visa facilitation for fees ranging from $500 to over $800. Victims allege that after collecting payments — some as far back as October 2024 — KO ceased all communications and failed to deliver the promised passports or services.

Several victims have recounted how KO exploited the credibility of the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta, advertising his services under the consulate’s name to gain trust. One victim, Tobi Jaji, said on social media: “I paid for my passport and never got it.” Another, Isaac Olorunisola, described KO as a “scammer of the highest order”, whose actions have damaged the reputation of pastors and community leaders. Attempts to locate KO at his provided Texas address or via phone were unsuccessful, with victims reporting that he disconnected his lines and disappeared. The scandal has also highlighted frustrations with consulate services, with victims claiming slow responses or ignored communications made them more vulnerable to the fraud. Some have attempted to seek recourse through the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local police, and Nigerian government channels, with limited success.

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The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed that KO is not an employee or authorized agent and has denounced his activities. A senior NIS official explained that passport applications are largely digital and should be completed through the official online portal, warning Nigerians not to rely on third-party intermediaries. “People have been using this online option successfully. You just visit our website and follow the necessary prompts. Do not pay anyone claiming to be our agent,” the official said. The service also indicated it is tracking KO and launching a sensitization campaign to inform Nigerians in the diaspora of legitimate procedures.

Immigration specialists advise Nigerians in the US to apply directly through official consulate channels and avoid any individuals promising expedited or guaranteed services. Payments should only be made online through verified portals. Victims are encouraged to report fraud attempts to both US authorities and the Nigeria Immigration Service to prevent further exploitation.

Nigeria Immigration Service Denies Connection as Cleric Scams Nigerians in US

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Omoile Admits Lying to EFCC in Emefiele $4.5bn Fraud Trial

Published

50 minutes ago

March 7, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele

Omoile Admits Lying to EFCC in Emefiele $4.5bn Fraud Trial

Henry Omoile, the second defendant in the ongoing $4.5 billion fraud trial involving former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, admitted on Friday that he lied in the statement he gave to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He told the court that he wrote what investigators asked him to write rather than the truth, raising questions about the reliability of his previous testimony.

The admission came during a trial‑within‑a‑trial before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. This mini-trial is meant to determine whether Omoile’s statements to EFCC investigators were voluntary or obtained under duress.

Omoile, who is facing three counts of unlawful acceptance of gifts as an agent, told the court that the statements, marked as Exhibits TWT 1–4, did not contain a genuine confession.

“I did not confess in that statement. I lied. EFCC threatened that if I did not write what they wanted, they would charge me to court,” he said.

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During cross-examination, Omoile admitted that he had been read his cautionary rights and had signed the cautionary words before making his statement. He also confirmed that he had discussed with his lawyer the possibility of filing a fundamental human rights enforcement suit and that a motion ex parte had been filed earlier in the day.

Omoile further alleged that the head of the EFCC investigative team, identified as Alvan, told him he could be granted bail or might not be charged if he cooperated by providing incriminating evidence against Emefiele. When asked whether he had filed any complaint against EFCC over these alleged threats, Omoile said he had not done so.

The main trial involves Emefiele, who faces 19 counts filed by the EFCC, including receiving gratification and making corrupt demands during his tenure as CBN Governor. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to April 17, 2026, for the adoption of final written addresses by the prosecution and defense. The court will then decide whether Omoile’s statements can be admitted as evidence in the main fraud case.

The $4.5 billion alleged misappropriation has drawn national attention, as it raises concerns over governance, financial oversight, and anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria. Analysts say Omoile’s admission could affect the credibility of key evidence against Emefiele, potentially influencing the outcome of the trial.