Police Arrest Rivers Pastor over Alleged Plot to Assassinate FCT Minister Nyesom Wike

“Police have arrested a Port Harcourt-based pastor over an alleged plot to assassinate FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, amid rising political tensions in Rivers State.”

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a Port Harcourt-based pastor over an alleged plot to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The arrest comes against the backdrop of a prolonged political confrontation between Wike and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, a standoff that has continued to fuel tension and political uncertainty across the state.

Security sources say the development has introduced a grave security dimension to the ongoing struggle for political influence and control in Rivers State.

The suspect, identified as Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, is a medical doctor and the founder of Life Forte Chapel Church, based in Port Harcourt.

He was arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) attached to the Office of the Inspector-General of Police following what investigators described as “credible intelligence.”

According to security officials, the arrest followed the monitoring of a telephone conversation allegedly involving Gbeneol and a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

Investigators said the conversation raised serious concerns due to its sensitive content and potential national security implications.
During the monitored call, the duo reportedly discussed plans to recruit foreign nationals to carry out an attack on the FCT Minister. The discussion was also said to include efforts to mobilise funds to execute the alleged operation.
“The content of the call was considered a grave national security threat,” a senior security source disclosed. “That was what triggered the immediate action by the IRT.”

Following intelligence assessment, operatives swiftly moved in and arrested Gbeneol in Port Harcourt. He has reportedly been in custody for nearly two weeks as investigations continue.

Confirming the arrest, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said, “He is in our custody. Investigation is ongoing.”

Police authorities have yet to disclose details of other suspects that may be connected to the case. However, investigators are said to be intensifying efforts to determine the roles of all individuals linked to the alleged plot.

Security agencies are also reportedly working to locate Danagogo, who is believed to have gone into hiding.

The arrest has sparked widespread reactions across Rivers State, with many residents expressing concern over escalating political hostility.

Political observers say the incident underscores the deepening rift between factions loyal to Wike and supporters of Governor Fubara, noting that recent standoffs between both camps have disrupted governance and further polarised the state’s political landscape.