Security operatives arrest a pastor over alleged assassination plot targeting Wike, raising concerns over political rivalry and national security threats.
The political rivalry between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has recently taken a dramatic and alarming turn.
Security agencies revealed that a Port Harcourt–based medical doctor and pastor was arrested over an alleged plan to assassinate Wike, a development that has sent shockwaves through political and security circles.
Security sources told SaharaReporters that Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, a medical doctor and founder of Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt, was apprehended by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).
The arrest followed the interception of a phone conversation between Gbeneol and the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo. The recorded conversation allegedly contained details of a plot to target Wike.
According to insiders, the suspects reportedly discussed enlisting Israeli nationals to carry out the assassination of Wike
The conversation allegedly ended with a plan to approach Governor Fubara for financial support to execute the operation.
A senior security official described the content of the conversation as a “grave national security threat,” adding that immediate action was required.
“The intelligence report made it clear that the threat could not be ignored,” the official explained.
“The content of the call was deemed extremely serious, prompting the IRT to act immediately.”
Following the report, operatives led by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi swiftly moved to apprehend Dr. Gbeneol, who has remained in police custody for about two weeks.
The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed the arrest, though details remain limited.
Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin stated, “He is in our custody. Investigation is ongoing.”
Authorities have declined to provide further information on the nature of the alleged offense or the suspect’s identity beyond what has already been reported.
Security sources further revealed that efforts are ongoing to locate Dr. Tammy Danagogo, who is alleged to have gone underground since the alleged plot was uncovered.
Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case, including potential accomplices who may have been involved in planning the attack against Wike.
Political analysts have noted that the incident highlights the increasing intensity of political rivalries in the region.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State, has long been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.
The alleged assassination plot, if proven, could mark one of the most serious political security threats in recent years.
Observers also stressed that the case underscores the need for heightened vigilance and intelligence gathering by security agencies.
The fact that the suspects reportedly considered hiring foreign nationals for the operation amplifies the gravity of the threat to Wike and to national security more broadly.
The development has drawn attention to the fragile nature of political relationships and the potential risks associated with high-profile officeholders in Nigeria.
Sources within the intelligence community indicated that the investigation would extend beyond Gbeneol and Danagogo, with a view to identifying all individuals involved in planning the attack against Wike.
While the police investigation continues, public reactions have varied. Some political commentators have expressed concern about the security of current and former governors, noting that the Wike incident could serve as a warning to other officials about potential risks arising from political rivalries.
Others have emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement to complete its investigation before drawing conclusions.
Dr. Gbeneol’s arrest marks a significant escalation in what had already been a tense political environment in Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The authorities’ swift response has been praised by some as a demonstration of the Nigerian Police Force’s capacity to act on credible intelligence, while others have cautioned against politicizing the investigation.
This incident involving Wike is a reminder of the intersection of politics and security in Nigeria.
Analysts argue that continued monitoring, intelligence gathering, and proactive measures are necessary to prevent similar threats in the future.
The unfolding investigation will likely shed light on the networks and motives behind the alleged plot, offering critical insights into political violence and national security challenges.
Ireport247news
