The Nigerian Police in Rivers State has announced the arrest of a Port Harcourt–based pastor over an alleged plan to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
This development is coming amid the lingering political face-off between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The arrest has now added a new security dimension to the already heated struggle for control and influence in the state.
The suspect, identified as Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, is a medical doctor and the founder of Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt.
He was taken into custody by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team attached to the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.
Investigations indicate that the arrest followed the monitoring of a telephone conversation allegedly involving Gbeneol and a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo. The conversation reportedly raised serious concerns among security agencies.
During the exchange, the two men were said to have discussed a plan that involved bringing in foreign nationals to carry out an attack on the FCT Minister. The plan was also said to include moves to seek financial backing to execute the operation.
“The content of the call was considered a grave national security threat,” a senior security source said. “That was what triggered the immediate action by the IRT.”
Following the intelligence assessment, operatives moved swiftly and arrested Gbeneol in Port Harcourt. He has remained in detention for close to two weeks as investigators widen their probe.
Police authorities have confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody. Speaking on the matter, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “He is in our custody. Investigation is ongoing,” without offering further details.
The police have not officially disclosed the full identity of other persons linked to the case. However, investigators are said to be working to establish the roles played by all those involved and whether there are additional collaborators.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest Danagogo, who is believed to have gone into hiding since the matter came to public attention.
The arrest has sparked political reactions across Rivers State, with many residents expressing concern over the rising level of hostility tied to the power struggle between major political actors in the state.
In a related development, Politics Nigeria recently reported escalating tensions between camps loyal to Wike and those aligned with Governor Fubara, including a series of political standoffs that have disrupted governance and divided the state’s political structure.