Four individuals previously arrested in connection with the arson attack on the Rivers State House of Assembly and other high-profile crimes have publicly denied any involvement, alleging political persecution and inhumane treatment.
Chime Ezebalike, Kenneth Goodluck Kpasa, Macpherson Olimini, and Prince Lookman Oladele—who were detained for months at Kuje Correctional Facility—were granted bail after being accused of burning the Assembly complex, attempting to assassinate a former Speaker, and participating in the murder of Divisional Police Officer SP Bako Angbashim in Ahoada East LGA.
Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday, Ezebalike, speaking for the group, claimed they were offered bribes, including cash and an all-expense-paid trip to Ghana for them and their families, by political loyalists of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. According to him, the goal was to pressure them into falsely implicating Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff, to suspend Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He alleged they were tortured during detention and were recently approached again to align with new accusations made by former Rivers state Head of Service, George Nweke.
Describing their ordeal as politically motivated, the group called on civil society organizations, human rights advocates, and justice campaigners to intervene and ensure that no citizen is subjected to similar abuse of power and unlawful detention in the future.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
