Police probe Rivers LG chair over assault on a lady

 The Rivers State Police Command has invited the Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area, Hon. Eugene Epelle also referred to as Eugene Cheta Epelle or Eugene Ekpelle in some reports, for questioning over allegations that he ordered an assault on a young woman named Minnie Ogadinma also known as Ogadinma Minnie Uchechi or Ogadinma Winnie Miller.

The incident has drawn significant attention after a video posted by Ogadinma went viral on social media. In the clip, she described visiting the Odiokwu Community Secondary School in the area and documenting its poor condition, including dilapidated structures, lack of basic facilities like toilets, and overall neglect that affects pupils and teachers alike. Motivated by a desire to highlight these issues and push for improvements in education for local children, she shared the footage online, calling attention to the state of the school under the chairman's jurisdiction.

According to Ogadinma's account in the widely circulated video, the chairman took offense at the post, viewing it as an attempt to embarrass him and damage his reputation. She claimed that on a Sunday evening, Epelle arrived at her father's house accompanied by his younger brother, Monday Cheta, and an aide. She alleged that the chairman accused her of tarnishing his image and then instructed his brother to "teach her a lesson." She described being physically attacked struck on the face and lips, held by the neck in a choking manner and said her mother also sustained injuries while trying to intervene. Neighbors reportedly stepped in to stop the altercation. Ogadinma further stated that she was relieved of her duties as she had previously worked as his media aide on the same day.

The allegations sparked outrage online and among civil society groups, with some calling for the chairman's immediate arrest and prosecution for assault occasioning harm. A petition from organizations including the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and support from a Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer urged the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

In response, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the command is aware of the viral video and the claims circulating on social media. She noted that while the young woman had not yet formally lodged a complaint at a police station, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, directed the Divisional Police Officer in the area to invite both parties Ogadinma and the council chairman for questioning. The goal, she explained, is to hear from everyone involved and establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The chairman has strongly denied the accusations of assault. In statements attributed to him and his office, he described his visit to Ogadinma's residence as peaceful and intended for a mature discussion. He maintained that no assault took place, suggesting that any reported injuries may have resulted from a misunderstanding or minor scuffle rather than deliberate violence. He also claimed that Ogadinma was on his payroll at the time and should have sought permission before posting content related to his local government area. Some accounts from his side frame the matter as politically motivated or exaggerated.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about infrastructure in public schools across parts of Rivers State, particularly in rural areas where facilities often fall short of basic standards. It also raises questions about freedom of expression, accountability in local governance, and how public officials respond to criticism from citizens, especially young people passionate about community improvement.

As the police proceed with their inquiry, both sides are expected to provide statements that will help clarify what transpired. The outcome could influence public trust in local leadership and stress the importance of addressing educational infrastructure challenges constructively. For now, the matter remains under active investigation, with authorities emphasizing a fair process to determine the truth.