The Rivers State Police have arrested Pastor Tombari Gbeneol over allegations of plotting to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, January 6, stating that the investigation is ongoing and further details would be released after completion.
Gbeneol, founder of Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt and also a medical doctor, was reportedly taken into custody by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT) following the interception of a phone conversation. The conversation allegedly involved discussions with Tammy Danagogo, the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), about bringing an Israeli national to carry out the attack on Wike.
A security source described the content of the call as a “grave national security threat,” which prompted immediate police action. Meanwhile, Danagogo has denied any involvement, stating through his special assistant, Obele Briggs, that he remains a law-abiding citizen and would cooperate fully with security agencies if invited.
The arrest comes amid heightened political tension between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, following disputes over agreements and governance in Rivers State since the 2025 Christmas period.
Police continue to investigate the matter and have pledged to provide updates once the interrogation and security assessments are complete.
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