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Family cries out over arrest, detention journalist Amieyeofori by DSS

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The family of journalist and former African Independent Television, AIT, staff, Tekena Amieyeofori, has cried out following his arrest and detention by the Department of State Services, DSS, since March 10, 2025.

His reportedly abduction, as the family described it, happened in Abuja over his role in exposing alleged corruption within the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NUPRC.

Amieyeofori, also serving as the National Secretary of the Niger Delta Youth Synergy & Co., was arrested alongside Comrade Goodluck Braide, the group’s President, after they submitted a petition addressed to the Executive Secretary of the NUPRC, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe.

The petition, which Amieyeofori co-signed, alleged wide-ranging infractions, including egregious corruption, poor implementation of the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Policy, and the incompetent regulation of the upstream petroleum sector.

The group, in the letter, had condemned the activities of the commission, which amounted to an “infraction of the statutory mandate of the commission under Engineer Gbenga Komolafe.”

Since their arrest, Amieyeofori has reportedly been denied access to his family, legal counsel, and medical attention. Concerns over his continued detention and well-being have grown, especially as attempts by his lawyers to secure access to him have gone unanswered.

In a formal appeal to the DSS, a law firm representing the family of Amieyeofori has requested immediate access to the detained journalist and called for his release on bail.

The letter, dated July 7, 2025, was issued by Steel Attorneys, a firm of legal practitioners based in Abuja, and addressed to the Director General of the DSS, with attention to the agency’s Legal Services Department.

In the letter, signed by Tamunotonye Ekundayo, the firm stated that it was acting on the instructions of Amieyeofori’s family. The detained journalist, they reminded the DSS, is a respected media practitioner, pro-democracy activist, and human rights advocate who was arrested on March 10, 2025, by operatives of the DSS in the Lokogoma area of Abuja.

“Since his arrest, [he] has been in your custody till date,” the lawyers wrote. “As such, we request that he should be granted access to his lawyers, family and ultimately be released on bail, being the breadwinner of his home, pending the conclusion of investigation.”

Citing legal precedents and international obligations binding on Nigeria, the letter referenced the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the United Nations Charter, all of which, the firm noted, “solidly guarantee the rights of detainees to legal representation and attorneys of their choice.”

The legal team urged the DSS to respond promptly and favorably to the request, adding, “Whilst anticipating your prompt and favourable response, please accept our kind regards.”

However, no response was received from the agency.

A follow-up reminder was sent and acknowledged by the DSS on July 9, 2025. In that correspondence, human rights lawyer M.D. Abubakar strongly criticised the agency’s alleged pattern of unconstitutional detentions.

“Sadly, as experience has shown, the service has an unconstitutional disdain, disregard and contempt of granting access to persons under detention,” Abubakar wrote.

“Please note that the right of detainees to access attorneys of their choice and to prompt and adequate representation is a right protected by the 1999 Constitution, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the UN Charter, and other international treaties and best practices which solidly guarantee the rights of detainees to legal representation and attorneys of their choice.”

As of the time of filing this report, the DSS has neither acknowledged the petitions publicly nor commented on the circumstances surrounding Amieyeofori’s prolonged detention.

However, a family member told DAILY POST that the secret police has finally allowed their legal counsel to see Amieyeofori on Tuesday.

Queen Esther Charles Alikor (née Amieyeofori), the elder sister to the journalist, told DAILY POST earlier that:

“The arrest of Dr. Tekena Amieyeofori, my brother, by the DSS has caused the entire family gross pain, affliction and agony. A lot has gone wrong in the family due to his unexpected absence, things that will break him down when he gets to hear it.

“They took him away, deprived him of access to his family. This is oppression and intimidation. DSS, release and free Dr. Tekena Amieyeofori. This is on behalf of the family.”

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2Baba Cries Out For Help in Now Deleted Instagram Post

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This morning, 2Baba posted “Help Me” on his Instagram stories, but less than 20 minutes later, the message vanished.

For the past few days, his relationship with his current wife, Senator Natasha Osawaru, has been under serious scrutiny, as a series of public incidents have surfaced and fuelled widespread speculation about the state of their marriage.

His cry for help should not be taken lightly. But who will answer him?

Will it be his family, his close friends, or the entertainment industry that has benefited from his legendary career?

At this point, one thing is clear. The music icon seems to be calling for real support and those around him cannot afford to look away.

 

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BREAKING: Unknown Gunmen Attack Gov. Otti’s Advance Team In Imo, As Scores Were Kidnapped From A Bus Along Owerri-Road Road

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An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.

It was learned that Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Meanwhile, a commercial bus plying along Owerri -Aba road towards the Ngor Okpala axis was attacked Monday and scores of passengers were feared kidnapped by yet-to-identify gunmen.

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Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy in Anambra

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The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.

“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said

The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.

According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.

He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.

The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.

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