The Rivers State Police Command is facing serious allegations of protecting the individuals responsible for a violent attack on a television news crew and a guest in Port Harcourt. The incident, which has sparked outrage, occurred on Friday, January 6, 2026, at a hotel in the Orazi area of the state capital.
Details of the Assault on Live Television
The attack unfolded during a live television interview being conducted by ARISE TV. The guest on air was Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment. According to the police account, unidentified armed youths stormed the venue, disrupting the broadcast and assaulting members of the ARISE TV crew.
Andy Omano, the ARISE TV reporter leading the crew, confirmed that the police were contacted immediately. He stated that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for the area later arrived at the scene with his men. The Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the timely intervention of her officers prevented further harm.
"Police intervention averted the attack. All items collected from the journalists, including cameras and other equipment, have been recovered. They are safe," Iringe-Koko said.
Ogoni Leader Accuses Police of Complicity
However, a strong counter-narrative has emerged from Ogoni leaders, who view the incident as a targeted assault. Joe Korka-Waadah, an Ogoni-born political management consultant and Executive Director of the Canada-based Compassionate Heart Foundation, has publicly accused the police of shielding the perpetrators.
Korka-Waadah described the attack as symbolic and deeply troubling, noting it occurred on Ogoni Day. He framed it not just as an attack on Dr. Nwibubasa, but as an aggression against the entire Ogoni nation. He drew parallels to historical injustices, including the 1995 execution of environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni leaders.
"It is unfortunate that in our dear Rivers State, thugs and hoodlums can be deployed with impunity to harm or possibly kill a citizen merely for expressing an opinion to which he is entitled," Korka-Waadah stated emphatically. "We will not sit by and allow intimidation or violence against our people. Never again."
Key Concern: No Arrests Made
A central point of contention raised by Korka-Waadah is the police's failure to make any arrests despite the attackers being clearly visible. He argued that this inaction amounts to aiding and abetting criminality.
"The failure to make a single arrest in an incident where the attackers were clearly visible amounts to aiding and abetting criminality," he added. This allegation suggests the attack was carried out with a sense of impunity, potentially influenced by powerful interests.
Korka-Waadah also issued a warning, stating that this event highlights the growing dangers facing democratic expression and free speech as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. Efforts to get an additional reaction from the police on the specific allegation of shielding the attackers were still ongoing at the time the initial report was filed.
The incident has raised critical questions about police professionalism, the safety of journalists, and the protection of free speech in Rivers State. All eyes are now on the police command to see if it will take decisive action to apprehend the culprits and address the serious allegations leveled against it.
