BREAKING: Police arrest pastor over alleged plot to assassinate Wike, search for suspected accomplice

Operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested a Port Harcourt–based medical doctor and pastor, Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, over an alleged plot to assassinate the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The arrest has introduced a fresh twist to the ongoing political feud between the FCT Minister, a former Governor of Rivers State, and the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Security sources disclosed to SaharaReporters that Dr. Gbeneol, who is also the founder of Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt, was taken into custody following intelligence reports linking him to the alleged assassination plan.
According to the sources, the arrest followed the interception of a phone conversation between Dr. Gbeneol and the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo. In the recorded conversation, the suspects were alleged to have discussed plans to bring in Israeli nationals to carry out the assassination of the FCT Minister.
The discussion reportedly ended with an alleged plan to seek funding for the operation from Governor Fubara.
Describing the development as a serious threat, a senior security source said the content of the intercepted call was considered a grave national security concern, which prompted the immediate intervention of the IRT.
Following the intelligence report, operatives of the IRT, led by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, moved swiftly and arrested Dr. Gbeneol. He has reportedly been in detention for about two weeks.
Security sources further revealed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend Dr. Danagogo, who is said to have gone underground since the matter surfaced.
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect is currently in custody and that investigations are ongoing.
“He is in our custody. Investigation is ongoing,” the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, told SaharaReporters on Monday, without providing additional details.
Although the police declined to disclose further information regarding the suspect’s identity or the specifics of the alleged offence, sources familiar with the investigation said detectives are working to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the case and identify any possible accomplices. (Sahara Reporters)