According to Nivo News, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Afam Osigwe (SAN), has urged the Rivers State Command of the Nigeria Police Force to either promptly charge Pastor Tombari Joseph Gbeneol to court or release him without further delay, following his continued detention over an alleged plot to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Pastor Gbeneol, a Port Harcourt-based cleric, was reportedly taken into custody after a leaked telephone conversation surfaced online, allegedly linking him and a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, to a plan involving the recruitment of foreign nationals to carry out an attack on the former Rivers governor. The viral audio triggered widespread reactions and prompted police intervention, leading to the pastor’s arrest and detention.

Reacting to the development, Osigwe expressed deep concern over what he described as a violation of constitutional provisions, noting that the prolonged detention of the cleric without formal charges raises serious questions about adherence to the rule of law. In a statement personally signed by him, the NBA president said reports of Gbeneol’s arrest and his continued detention for nearly two weeks without arraignment strike at the heart of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

While acknowledging the duty of law enforcement agencies to safeguard national security and protect public officials, Osigwe stressed that such responsibilities must always be exercised within the confines of the Constitution. He emphasized that security concerns do not override constitutional safeguards, nor do they justify indefinite detention without due process.

The NBA president reiterated that the Constitution guarantees personal liberty and clearly outlines procedures for arrest and detention, including the requirement that any suspect be informed of the allegations against them and brought before a competent court within the time prescribed by law. He maintained that detention beyond these limits, without a valid court order or formal charge, remains unlawful regardless of the gravity of the allegation.

Osigwe further noted that the NBA is particularly troubled by reports indicating that Pastor Gbeneol has remained in custody for an extended period without being charged, stressing that allegations, no matter how serious, remain unproven until tested in open court. He warned against allowing investigative delays, media narratives or executive actions to erode the presumption of innocence, which he described as a cornerstone of the criminal justice system.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force to act strictly in line with the law by either charging the pastor before a court of competent jurisdiction or releasing him immediately if investigations fail to establish sufficient grounds for prosecution. Osigwe cautioned that continued detention without judicial oversight undermines public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The NBA also urged that investigations into the matter be conducted professionally and transparently, without unlawful detention or coercive tactics, adding that the same constitutional standards must apply to all individuals involved. He warned against the criminal justice system being weaponised or allegations of political or security nature being used to justify actions that erode fundamental rights.

According to Nivo News, the Federal Government has rallied behind the Super Eagles as they prepare for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations semi-final showdown against host nation Morocco in Rabat.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The message of support was delivered on Wednesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who urged the Nigerian team to approach the encounter with confidence, unity and a deep sense of national pride. He commended the players for their impressive displays so far in the tournament, noting their discipline, courage and strong belief on the pitch.

Idris reminded the Super Eagles that Nigeria’s past successes at the AFCON were built on teamwork, resilience and an unyielding fighting spirit, qualities he said the current squad has clearly demonstrated throughout the competition. He told the players that they carry more than the national colours, stressing that the hopes and expectations of millions of Nigerians rest on their shoulders.

The minister encouraged the team to remain focused and united, urging them to trust one another and give their all from the opening whistle to the final minute. He expressed confidence in the squad’s quality and ability to go all the way, saying they have earned their place among the last four and possess what it takes to reach the final and lift the trophy.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Wednesday night by 9pm Nigerian time, with a coveted spot in the AFCON final at stake.

According to Nivo News, a former Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, has responded to an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force over allegations linking him to a purported plot to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Danagogo, through his legal representatives, notified the police that he was currently out of town and would be unable to appear for the scheduled interview fixed for Thursday, January 15, 2026. The invitation was issued by the Intelligence Response Team of the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja.

The police invitation followed the emergence of a leaked telephone conversation allegedly involving Danagogo and a Port Harcourt-based cleric, Tombari Joseph Gbeneol. In the reported exchange, both individuals were accused of discussing plans to bring in assassins from Israel to target the FCT Minister, an allegation that has since generated widespread political and legal debate.

In a formal letter dated Wednesday and addressed to the Commissioner of Police overseeing the IRT, Danagogo’s law firm, Danagogo, Oputa & Associates, requested that the interview be rescheduled. The letter, signed by Sir I.O. Nwodoh, Esq., explained that their client was not within reach at the time the invitation was served and therefore could not meet the proposed date.

The legal team appealed to the police for understanding and proposed that the interview be moved to Monday, January 26, 2026, to enable their client honour the request at a later date.