Quick Summary:
Police arrest Port Harcourt–based doctor and pastor, Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, over an alleged plot to assassinate FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, deepening the political tension between Wike and Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
A fresh twist has emerged in the ongoing political conflict between Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following the arrest of a Port Harcourt–based medical doctor and pastor over an alleged plot to assassinate the former Rivers governor.
Security sources confirmed that operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) apprehended Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, a medical doctor and founder of Life Forte Chapel Church, Port Harcourt, in connection with the alleged plot.
Details of the Alleged Plot
According to intelligence sources, the arrest followed the interception of a phone conversation between Dr. Gbeneol and the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo.
In the recorded conversation, the two men allegedly discussed a plan to bring in Israeli nationals to carry out the assassination of Minister Wike. The discussion reportedly concluded with an alleged proposal to approach Governor Fubara for funding to execute the operation.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Following the intelligence alert, IRT operatives led by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi launched a swift operation that resulted in Dr. Gbeneol’s arrest.
He has reportedly been in detention for about two weeks, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Dr. Danagogo, who is said to have gone underground since the matter surfaced.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest.
Although police authorities have not released further details about the suspect’s identity or the specific charges, sources familiar with the investigation revealed that detectives are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the alleged plot and identify possible accomplices.
Political Implications
The development adds a new dimension to the prolonged political feud between Wike and Fubara, which has dominated Rivers State politics since mid-2023.
Analysts suggest that the alleged assassination plot could intensify existing tensions within the state’s political establishment and heighten security concerns around key political figures.