Port Harcourt Doctor Arrested Over Alleged Plot To Assassinate FCT Minister

A new development has emerged in the political face-off between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, 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 State governor.

Security sources disclosed that operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) arrested Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, a medical doctor and founder of Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt, in connection with the alleged plan to the FCT minister.

According to the sources, the arrest followed the interception of a telephone conversation between Dr. Gbeneol and the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo. The recorded conversation allegedly contained discussions about bringing in Israeli nationals to carry out the assassination.

The sources further claimed that the discussion ended with plans to approach Governor Fubara for financial support to execute the alleged operation. A senior security source described the contents of the call as a serious national security threat, prompting swift action by security agencies.

Acting on the intelligence report, IRT operatives led by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi reportedly moved in and arrested Dr. Gbeneol, who has been in detention for about two weeks.

Security officials also revealed that efforts are ongoing to arrest Dr. Danagogo, who is said to have gone into hiding since the matter became public.

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect is currently in custody and under investigation. Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development on Monday, noting that investigations are still ongoing but declined to provide further details.

While the police have not disclosed the full identity of the suspect or specific details of the alleged offence, sources familiar with the investigation said detectives are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the case and identify any possible accomplices.