By Adeosun Christiana Pelumi (SIWES student D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
The Rivers State Police Command has verified the detention of 122 individuals who were engaged in a demonstration supporting Siminalayi Fubara in Port Harcourt.
The protestors were apprehended for reportedly trespassing into the residence of the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaehwule.
This group, under the leadership of Chijioke Ihunwo, Chairman of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Rivers State Chapter, was intercepted while attempting to access the Speaker’s residence.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, relayed this information in an official statement.
Iringe-Koko clarified, On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at approximately 11:30 AM, the Rivers State Police Command arrested a group of youths led by Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo.
They had the intent to commit a felony when they forcibly entered the official residence of Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, located at Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt. They also damaged the house’s gate maliciously.
She further added, While they were engaged in their unlawful activities, a distress call was received by the command’s control room.
Tactical teams were promptly dispatched to the scene, resulting in the arrest of 122 suspects, including Ambassador Chijioke Ihunwo.
They were taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, for a comprehensive investigation.
It was stressed that the police have bolstered security measures at the State House of Assembly Complex, the Speaker’s residence, and other critical sites and infrastructure throughout the state to avert future incidents.
