The political tension between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has taken a dramatic turn following the arrest of a Port Harcourt–based medical doctor and church founder over an alleged plot to assassinate the former Rivers governor.
Security sources told standarddailypress that operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) arrested Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, a medical doctor and founder of Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt. He is being investigated over an alleged plan to kill Wike.
According to the sources, the arrest was triggered by the interception of a phone conversation between Dr. Gbeneol and the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo. In the recorded call, the two men allegedly discussed plans to recruit Israeli nationals to carry out the assassination.
The conversation reportedly ended with a proposal to approach Governor Fubara for financial support to execute the alleged plot. A senior security source described the call as a serious national security concern, prompting swift action by the police.
“This was considered a grave threat. That was what led to the immediate intervention by the Intelligence Response Team,” the source said.
Following the intelligence report, IRT operatives led by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi arrested Dr. Gbeneol. He has reportedly been in detention for about two weeks as investigations continue.
Security sources also revealed that efforts are underway to arrest Dr. Danagogo, who is said to have gone into hiding since the issue surfaced.
Confirming the development, the Nigeria Police said the suspect is currently in custody. Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told standarddailypress on Monday: “He is in our custody. Investigation is ongoing.”
The police, however, declined to provide further details on the suspect or the alleged offence. Meanwhile, detectives are said to be working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the case and identify any possible accomplices.
