The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Dr Kayode Egbetokun, and the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, for their swift and decisive action against six police officers who extorted ₦2 million from its members returning from the Association’s 49th Annual General Meeting/National Convention which held in Owerri, Imo State.
The incident occurred on August 3, 2025, along the outskirts of Benin City, where a group of NAS members was stopped at a police checkpoint under the guise of a routine stop-and-search operation.
According to the Association, the officers, comprising three Inspectors, one Constable, one unconfirmed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and a confirmed ASP, resorted to intimidation and unlawfully withdrew ₦2 million from one member’s account using a Point of Sale (POS) machine Moniepoint Microfinance Bank belonging to Babangida Sani.
In addition to the cash, personal belongings and official NAS regalia were also seized.
“This is a gross abuse of power and a betrayal of public trust. No Nigerian—regardless of their affiliation—deserves to be subjected to such criminal conduct by officers sworn to protect them,” said NAS Cap’n, Dr Joseph Oteri, in a statement on Tuesday.
Despite the provocation, the affected members of the Confraternity upheld the Association’s values of discipline and due process by promptly filing a formal complaint.
The police authorities responded swiftly: the ₦2 million was fully recovered and returned, all seized items were restored, and the six officers were immediately identified, subjected to an orderly room trial, and recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
NAS praised the IGP and the Edo CP for sending a clear message that police misconduct will not be tolerated.
“This decisive response reinforces the importance of lawful redress and the commitment of the Police High Command to accountability,” the statement added.
The Association further revealed that it had formally written to the IGP on July 21, 2025, ahead of the Owerri convergence, informing him of the planned movement from July 31 to August 3 and requesting police support, including details of its official dress code and regalia.
While calling for sustained vigilance by the police in curbing abuse, NAS reiterated its commitment to a Nigeria governed by the rule of law, justice, and respect for human dignity.

By Prof. Adesoji Adesugba

The Nigeria Police Force continues to grapple with the difficult task of policing a vast and complex nation, often under challenging circumstances. While many of its officers remain committed to service and the protection of lives and property, the actions of a few bad eggs continue to cast a shadow over the institution. Such was the case recently involving members of the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), who were victims of abuse by rogue officers.

Following the just-concluded 49th National Converge (Konvaj) of the Association in Owerri, Imo State, some members returning home through Benin City, Edo State, were stopped under the guise of a police “stop and search.” Rather than conduct a lawful and professional engagement, six police officers on duty at the time resorted to extortion. A sum of two million naira, alongside personal items and official regalia of the Association, were unlawfully taken from one of the members.

This act of criminality not only betrays the values the Police Force is expected to uphold but also reaffirms public concerns about abuse of power and institutional decay. However, this incident has also revealed another side of the story—one of courage, restraint, and swift accountability.

Despite the provocation, the members of the National Association of Seadogs did not take the law into their own hands. True to their principles of discipline, justice, and due process, they formally lodged a complaint through the appropriate channels. Their example is a lesson in civic maturity.

In an encouraging show of leadership, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, took immediate and commendable action. Not only has the stolen ₦2 million been fully recovered and returned, but all other seized items, including the group’s regalia, have also been restored. More significantly, the six offending officers have been identified, subjected to an orderly room trial, and have been recommended for dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.

The NAS Cap’n has remained in close contact with the Commissioner, who has pledged that the matter will be taken to its logical conclusion, in line with professional standards and justice.

This swift and decisive response by the Edo State Police Commissioner is a model of accountability that should be emulated across the country. It demonstrates that while the rot within the system cannot be denied, there are still men and women within the force who are committed to doing what is right.

As Nigerians, we must continue to speak out against misconduct while also supporting reforms and recognizing efforts that seek to restore dignity and professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force.

Let the few bad eggs not define the whole. Let discipline, justice, and leadership prevail.

The Coordinator of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited in Bilabiri Mein Kingdom, Yerin Johnbo Ekriyan, has strongly refuted a recent online report making allegations against Tantita Security Services and its leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

Reacting to the publication titled “Bilabiri Fights Back Against Tantita Security Firm’s Alleged Overreach”—authored by Paebi Samson, whom he described as a self-proclaimed Secretary General of the Bilabiri Mein Kingdom—Ekriyan condemned the report as a “malicious and coordinated assault on the truth.”

He stated:

> “These baseless claims, rooted in lies and blackmail, are a transparent ploy to distract attention from the monumental strides Tantita Security Services has made in securing the Niger Delta and promoting peace. I reject these allegations in their entirety and call for a thorough investigation to expose the truth and vindicate the sterling reputation of Tantita and Tompolo.”

Ekriyan further described the report as desperate and deceitful, warning that such misinformation undermines ongoing efforts to sustain peace and development in the region.

“I unequivocally condemn this report filled with falsehoods aimed at discrediting Tantita and High Chief Tompolo’s immense contributions to regional security. I remain committed to truth and integrity and will not be swayed by such false narratives,” he added.

He explained that under normal circumstances, he would have ignored the allegations but felt compelled to respond due to the gravity of the claims and the damage they could do to the reputations of Tantita Security Services and its leadership.

“The petition addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff by Paebi Samson, who styles himself as the Bilabiri Secretary General, is malicious and entirely unfounded. It appears to be driven by ulterior motives,” he stated.

Ekriyan emphasized Tantita’s unwavering commitment to peace, security, and community development, noting that under Tompolo’s leadership, the company has worked tirelessly to secure communities within its operational zones.

“The claims of intimidation, empire-building, and resource control are pure fiction. Tantita has never interfered in internal community matters, nor has it incited unrest or funded any group to destabilize local communities. We respect the sovereignty of all host communities,” he said.

Describing the petition as vague and lacking any supporting evidence, Ekriyan challenged the petitioner to present credible proof of his claims.

“The petition is riddled with generalizations and devoid of concrete facts, documentation, or credible witness statements. Moreover, Tantita has never supported or engaged in illegal oil bunkering. I challenge Paebi Samson to produce evidence for his wild allegations.”

Setting the record straight, Ekriyan referenced a specific incident:

“On November 30, 2024, Hon. Akpos Semode, Tantita’s Community Relations Manager, called the then Bilabiri Community Chairman, Tekenane, to request his account details so the company could send a goodwill token, as was done for other communities. Rather than cooperate, he verbally abused the caller and dropped the call. As a result, Bilabiri missed out while others benefited.”

Ekriyan expressed dismay that two current Tantita staff—Tekenane Abaka and Ebimene Abaka (popularly known as Small Fire), the latter of whom serves as Assistant Coordinator in Bilabiri—are allegedly behind the false claims.

“It is disturbing and unprofessional that these individuals, still in Tantita’s employment, are reportedly the masterminds of these petitions and reports. Their actions appear to be a deliberate attempt to undermine our efforts in safeguarding oil and gas infrastructure.”

He also clarified that Tantita Security Services has no operational relationship with Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd, contrary to insinuations in the petition.

“Tantita has not engaged or sublet any part of its operations to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Ltd,” Ekriyan firmly stated.

Responding to accusations that Tompolo is building a personal empire, Ekriyan described such characterizations as a gross misrepresentation.

“Tompolo’s dedication to regional development and peace is well documented. To label his work as empire-building is not only misleading but a disservice to the progress he has made in partnership with the communities.”

He reaffirmed that Tantita has consistently prioritized respectful collaboration with host communities and has always worked toward mutual benefit.

“Tantita’s track record in community engagement and peacebuilding speaks for itself. I am confident that any sincere investigation will reveal these allegations as unfounded and motivated by personal agendas.”

In conclusion, Ekriyan appealed to the Chief of Defence Staff and relevant authorities to give due consideration to Tantita’s commitment to peace and security in the Niger Delta.

“We are open to any investigation and fully confident that our integrity and dedication to the well-being of the Niger Delta will be upheld and vindicated.”

Delta state Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has urged senior officers to see their elevation as a call to do more in ensuring a crime-free society based on the experiences garnered over the years in various capacities by impacting the culture of patriotism and ideas of professionalism at all levels for effective policing.

Making the admonition during the decoration of the Police Officer of year 2023, CSP Aliyu Shaba, who just got promoted to an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), at the Command’s headquarters in Asaba, yesterday, CP Abaniwonda, noted that in Police Force a lot of responsibilities comes with higher ranks and therefore requires more re-dedication to duties.

CP Abaniwonda who took the advantage of the decoration ceremony which coincided with the monthly security meeting with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officer (DPOs) and Special Unit Commanders, noted that being promoted in the Force does not come with the privilege to relax on the job but to continue to do more in that capacity.

According to him; What promotion means in the Police Force is that to whom much is given, much is expected. So it’s never a time to relax but to continue to bring out then best in you in the service of policing towards the realization of a secured society”.

He was full of praises for ACP Shaba, describing him as an officer who distinguished himself in all the places he was posted to serve within the Command and was able to attract the attention of the state Governor, His Excellency, Rt.Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, who gave him additional responsibilities in the policing of the state.

His word; “The Governor would have love to perform the decoration personally today because of how ACP Shaba had endeared himself due his remarkable performance in combating crimes and other social vices, particularly in the Warri area and its environs but for the exigencies of his office that took him out of town”.

He implored other senior officers to equally give a good account of themselves wherever they are serving within the Command and the result of their performance speaks for itself even when they are not in places where people would be rendering an appraisal of their performance.

In his speech, the newly promoted officer who just got posted to Ughelli as Area Commander, following his promotion to an Assistant Commissioner of Police ACP, Aliyu Shaba, thanked God for his protection over him and his team all through the period they were combating crimes in various communities in the state and appreciated his immediate boss, CP Abaniwonda for the confidence reposed in him over the years.

The award winning police officer also extended his appreciation to the state Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, who he said had been supportive to his operations in the state and applauded his team for their commitment to duties whenever the need arises.

He assured that the promotion would further energize him and team to work harder in combating crimes in any part of the state.

The high point of the event was the decoration of the best police officer in Nigeria 2023 award winner by CP Abaniwonda and supported by his lovely wife.

End

By ENITAN ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr

The High Court of Imo State has issued Form 48: Notice of Consequences of Disobedience to Court Order to several prominent members of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa for allegedly defying a valid court order.

The court action comes on the heels of a controversial parallel convention reportedly held last weekend by a faction of expelled members of the NBM in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State and lekki lagos state despite a standing interim injunction barring such gatherings pending the determination of a substantive suit.

The restraining order was earlier granted on July 25, 2025, by Hon. Justice Mike Onyekachi of the Ahiazu-Mbaise Judicial Division, following an ex parte application brought by the Registered Trustees of NBM of Africa, alongside Olorogun Ese Kakor and Zonal Coordinator Kechi Opara. The suit, marked HAM/156/2025, sought to halt the factional activity threatening the unity and legal integrity of the movement.

However, in apparent defiance of the court’s directive, some individuals allegedly proceeded with the disputed event. As a result, the court swiftly moved to enforce its authority by invoking Form 48, a statutory notice warning of the grave consequences of contempt of court.

“Take notice that unless you obey the directives of this court contained in the said order, you shall be guilty of contempt and liable to be committed to prison,” the Form 48 explicitly states.

Those named in the contempt notice include:

Osagie David Igbineweka

Barr. Hope Aliu

Tochukwu Okeke (aka Owo)

Chukwuma Madike (aka Bobo)

Bemigho Eyeoyibo (aka Bemuda)

Dr. Anthony A. Orunkoya AKA Tony Masaka

Elder Ikechukwu Ikechi A. Ozurumba

Apostle Ese Eruedoja

Scadela Ekhator

and Isimeme Iriogbe

The issuance of Form 48 signals the court’s readiness to pursue contempt proceedings against any individual or group that flouts its orders. Legal experts say if found guilty, the accused could face serious penalties, including imprisonment.

The next hearing of the substantive suit indicate that where the court is expected to hear arguments on the motion for interlocutory injunction and determine further legal consequences for alleged violators.

End

The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI) has applauded the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Police Service Commission for their recent recommendation of CSP Aliyu Shaba and SP Sentome Obi, for accelerated promotions, describing the move as a major step toward institutionalizing ethics, professionalism, and merit in the system.

Speaking in a statement issued in Yenagoa, Chairman of SSPTI, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, said the recognition of CSP Shaba as the 2023 and SP Obi as the Police Officer of the Year 2024 recipients not only validates the virtues of integrity and discipline but also sends a powerful message to other officers across the country.

“This is a watershed moment for the Nigeria Police Force, ”Dr. Alozie stated. “Rewarding upright officers like CSP Shaba and SP Obi, with not just national acclaim but concrete promotions will inspire a new culture of service rooted in ethics, especially in a time when public trust in institutions is fragile.”

Dr. Alozie particularly praised Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for hosting SP Obi, a Bayelsa-born officer who refused a $17,000 bribe in the course of investigating a sensitive financial crime. The event, held on July 23, 2025, in Yenagoa, included the symbolic presentation of a brand-new Toyota Corolla and a fully furnished three-bedroom bungalow to the celebrated officer — a gesture widely described as unprecedented.

Describing SP Obi as a pride of the South-South region, Dr. Alozie said the officer’s steadfast commitment to integrity, even under immense pressure, is a shining example of the kind of leadership and values the SSPTI has long advocated for within Nigeria’s public service.

“SP Obi’s conduct aligns squarely with SSPTI’s mission — to promote transparency, accountability, and professionalism within institutions,” the chairman added. “His story is a bold reminder that honour still exists in uniform.”

The SSPTI also endorsed the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for leading a transformative agenda within the Force, including the introduction of a merit-based promotion framework and the decision to display portraits of outstanding officers at all major police commands, including the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the Nigeria Police Hall of Fame.

According to the IGP, rewarding officers who demonstrate excellence is not just commendation—it is a cultural shift.

“This tells every officer that integrity is not just expected but rewarded,” the IGP declared.

Under the new policy, officers who have received national or IGP commendations in at least two consecutive award cycles will be considered for accelerated promotion—a move SSPTI describes as “a long-overdue reform to reshape the reward structure in the Force.”

Dr. Alozie concluded by calling on other state governments and professional bodies to emulate Bayelsa State’s example by honouring ethical public servants and reinforcing a culture of merit.

“The future of policing in Nigeria rests on transparency and public trust. Celebrating officers like CSP Shaba and SP Obi is not just a moral imperative — it is a strategic investment in national security.”

As the Nigeria Police charts a new course under the current leadership, stakeholders like SSPTI continue to play a critical role in amplifying best practices and championing a new generation of public servants grounded in ethics and excellence.

End

by Mike Odiegwu
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nyesom Wike, has advised Nigerians to reject the coalition and its platform, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) describing its new leaders as naysayers and unpatriotic.

Wike said the coalition was only interested in grabbing power from President, Bola Tinubu, despite all of them having no records of achievement in the various past positions.

He said Tinubu on assumption of office took some painful but necessary decisions that would eventually turnaround the country for good insisting that some intoads had been made.

Wike spoke at the university’s 35th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary of the University of Port Harcourt shortly after the institution decorated him with Honorary Doctor of Science degree in Political Science.

To further honour the Minister, the university named its Convocation Arena, which was built by Wike in 2024 after him.
The arena was officially inaugurated by the Rivere Sole Administrator, Ibok Ibas as part of activities of the university’s 35 Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary.

The University also conferred on the Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri an honorary doctoral degree
The Minister observed that members of the coalition were preoccupied with peddling lies and hate against Tinubu and his government.

But he said some of the policies of the administration had started yielding fruits citing the steady drop in the price of fuel and others.

Wike said: through his Renewed Hope Agenda he has with the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund among other remarkable initiatives starting the dramatic transformation of tertiary education landscape in such a way that soon no willing child will be denied access to qualify education because of economic hardship.

”Our country is undoubtedly on the path of positive ascendency and very soon the impact will be visible even ro the blind and obvious even to the cynically minded”.
Addressing the coalition, he said: “We must resist the purveyors of lies, hate and division who seek to destroy our country.

“These men and women who coalesce under the banner of so called Coalition and propelling a division of grandeur and perpetual fight for relevance and political power.

“If you interrogate their profiles will find that they have been in office for almost all their lives. Yet they have nothing concrete to show of their achievements in building an enduring nation

” In only two years of this administration they are congregating and aerigating to destroy rather than build and rather than reconstruct our hithero battered country for which most of them have been active dramatis personae in the willful destruction of our politics and economy which they painfully orchectrated in their respective tenure in office.

Wike’s visionary leadership, relentless pursuit of progress Inspiring – Rivers Reps Caucus

“We know these naysayers and you are enjoyed to reject them and their unpatriotic drum beats of division and failed propaganda”.

The FCT Minister said his support for the University of Port Harcourt both as Governor and a Minister, was borne out of the positive influence the federal institution had on him as an alumnus.

Wike said: “It is in the light of the foregoing that I have always strongly believed that every alumnus should give back to the university as a mark of pure gratitude.
“This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I have had the opportunity to so do”.

Wike recalled that throughout his duty tours, he had always referred to himself as a happy alumnus of the UNIPORT insisting that all his positive gestures were a deliberate pursuit of commitment to gratitude for a university he said gave him a lot.

He said: “To this extent, you would recall that even though this university was established in 1975 as a conventional university, there was no Law faculty in this university.

“So when I became a Minister of State (for) Education, I saw it as an opportunity that we must have a faculty of law.

“I’m glad that the Vice-Chancellor said it here today that today, we have a Faculty of Law. I did not only end at that; I said there must be a befitting faculty of Law building, and I insisted, and today, we have that faculty of Law,” the former Rivers State Governor stated.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, recalled that the first convocation of the university in 1982, was held in the old arena.

He said: “We are proud today, to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built two years ago by Rivers Government during Wike’s administration,” he said.

In his remarks, Ibas lauded the contribution of Wike to the development of the institution saying that the conception and construction of the arena under Wike’s stewardship, reflected his enduring legacy in infrastructural and educational development.

He said: “The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment. Your Excellency, we honour your foresight.
“This arena, both in design and purpose, is not only a venue for convocation, it is also a sanctuary where dreams are validated; where academic journeys culminate in triumphs; and where future leaders will be publicly honoured.

“It will involve policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions and ceremonies that shaped the character and capacities of generations to come,” he said.

Ibas said that the edifice was symbolic, adding that it represented continuity and a bridge between legacy of excellence and the promise of tomorrow.

BY INVESTINGATOR

Fresh controversy has erupted in Delta State following damning allegations leveled against the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, over his alleged role in diverting funds meant for a government-sponsored seminar for community newspaper publishers.

The accusations stem from confessions reportedly made by Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye, also known as Prince Joseph, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Community Newspapers. In conversations overheard by journalists and associates, Orhomonokpaye Prince Joseph claimed that the SSG took a substantial “cut” from the ₦10 million approved by the Governor for the Delta State Council of the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) to host a seminar.

According to Orhomonokpaye Prince Joseph, Dr. Emu allegedly demanded a portion of the seminar funds to be routed through his private hotel, Benizia Hotel Asaba, where the event was held. He also claimed that no political appointee in the state could access government funds without the SSG receiving a share, a practice he said dates back to the previous administration of Ifeanyi Okowa.

“These funds cannot move without him,” Orhomonokpaye Prince Joseph allegedly said. “Even files meant for the Governor must pass through him first. That’s why everyone worships him.”

Orhomonokpaye Prince Joseph, who faces a vote of no confidence from the ACNPN over allegations of mismanagement, abuse, and fraud, also told journalists he couldn’t challenge the SSG publicly because he still had pending financial deals requiring Dr. Emu’s approval.

The claims have cast a shadow over the office of the SSG, raising questions about transparency and the level of influence wielded by Dr. Kingsley Emu in financial decisions involving political appointees.

However, many journalists have dismissed Orhomonokpaye Prince Joseph’s statements, describing him as an unreliable and self-serving character unfit for his current role. “He’s a chronic liar, a blackmailer, and a disgrace to the media profession,” said one member of the association. “But his revelations, if true, expose a rot that goes beyond him.”

The ACNPN has formally passed a vote of no confidence on Prince Joseph following what they described as the hijacking of the May 20, 2025, seminar meant for 40 community newspaper publishers. The association alleged that the seminar, bankrolled by the Governor, turned into a “private jamboree” for Orhomonokpaye Prince Joseph’s friends and loyalists, many of whom had no links to journalism.

According to their findings, most ACNPN members were denied proper accommodation, training materials, and transport allowances. Some were housed in seedy hotels while others were completely excluded. It was also revealed that the seminar bags, allegedly meant for participants, were instead distributed to government officials to fake legitimacy of the program.

The association condemned Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye’s continuous pattern of insults and threats to publishers via text messages and accused him of undermining the Governor’s good intentions for the community media sector.

“The Governor meant well, but his appointee has abused that goodwill,” the ACNPN said in a statement. “We appeal to His Excellency to redeploy Mr. Orhomonokpaye from this sensitive portfolio, as his continued presence is detrimental to the integrity of community journalism in the state.”

Despite the firestorm surrounding both the SSA and the SSG, the state government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.

Political observers now watch closely to see whether Governor Oborevwori will launch an internal investigation or reshuffle his team to address growing concerns over accountability within his administration.