RismadarVoice Reporters
May 8, 2026
A broadcast journalist based in Port Harcourt, Allwell Ene, has expressed dissatisfaction with the arrest of 13 suspects by the Rivers State Police Command, insisting that those apprehended were not the individuals who attacked him while he was carrying out his professional duties at the Garrison area of Port Harcourt.
Ene clarified on Friday following an identification exercise conducted by the police in Port Harcourt.
The journalist, who works with Megaletrics operators of Classic FM 91.1, Beat FM 99.9 and Naija FM 92.7 was reportedly assaulted by hoodlums three weeks ago while on assignment at the busy Garrison axis of the city.
The Rivers State Police Command had earlier announced the arrest of 13 persons in connection with the incident.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, the command said operatives apprehended the suspects during ongoing security operations in the area.
However, Ene said none of the individuals presented to him during the identification parade was among those who physically attacked and injured him.
He lamented that the actual perpetrators were still moving freely within the same Garrison area where the assault occurred.
“Unfortunately, as I speak to you, the hoodlums who attacked me are still walking freely around the same Garrison area where the incident occurred,” Ene said.
He urged the police to intensify efforts toward identifying and arresting the real culprits, stressing that prosecuting those responsible would serve as a deterrent against attacks on journalists performing lawful duties.
“Prosecuting the culprits would serve as a deterrent to others who may want to assault journalists who are carrying out their lawful duties,” he added.
Responding to the concerns raised by the journalist, Agabe explained that the 13 suspects were arrested at the same location while allegedly engaging in similar criminal activities, including phone theft.
She assured that investigations were still ongoing and that additional arrests could follow.
“Well, what happened was that the suspects were arrested while committing similar crimes, such as stealing a phone at the same spot where he was attacked,” Agabe stated.
“Now that he said they’re not the main suspects, our men are still investigating, and further arrests will be made. When that happens, we will invite the journalist for another identification exercise,” she added.
Meanwhile, civil society organisations, media groups, journalists and concerned citizens have continued to call on security agencies to intensify efforts toward identifying, arresting and prosecuting those responsible for the assault on Ene.
