Sapele Council Chairman’s Brother, Ovo Abeke, Accused of Threatening Journalist’s Life

Tension is reportedly mounting in Sapele following serious allegations of threats to life, intimidation, and abuse of political influence leveled against Hon. Ovo Abeke, the APC Ward 7 Chairman and younger brother of the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council, Hon. Bright Abeke.

The allegations were contained in a petition submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS), by Mrs. Stephanie Ikanone Odiete, Publisher of Sapele Mirror TV Online, a practicing journalist, and a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

According to the petition, Mrs. Odiete accused Hon. Ovo Abeke of persistently threatening her life, intimidating her, and allegedly boasting that nothing could happen to him because his brother is the Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council.

The journalist alleged that the threats began several years ago and have continued despite previous reports made to security agencies.

She recalled that on April 6, 2023, at the Sapele Local Government Council Secretariat, Hon. Ovo Abeke and one Mr. Ufuoma Ovwigho allegedly attempted to physically assault her during an incident linked to her journalistic activities.

According to the petition, Mrs. Odiete was allegedly threatened, intimidated, and unlawfully detained within the council premises for several hours before regaining her freedom later that evening.

She further stated that a formal petition was submitted to the DSS office in Sapele on April 10, 2023, through her lawyer, Barr. P. M. Obiagba Esq., after which Hon. Ovo Abeke was allegedly cautioned by security officials.

However, the journalist claimed that rather than ending the alleged intimidation, the APC Ward 7 Chairman allegedly became more emboldened.

The latest incident, according to the petition, allegedly occurred during the APC Senatorial Primary Election involving Senator Ede Dafinone and Senator Ovie Omo Agege.

Mrs. Odiete said she attended the event strictly in her professional capacity as a journalist to cover the election when Hon. Ovo Abeke allegedly confronted her at the office of the Secretary to Council and accused her of creating a WhatsApp group for APC members in Ward 7.

She explained that despite several attempts to clarify that she did not create the WhatsApp group and was merely added as a participant after the group’s name was allegedly changed from PDP group, Hon. Ovo Abeke allegedly continued issuing threats against her.

According to the petition, the APC chieftain allegedly threatened to send thugs to assault her and repeatedly declared that nothing would happen afterward.

The situation reportedly escalated when a physically challenged man identified as Mr. Jude Ebosele, popularly known as “Diplomat,” intervened and cautioned against violence.

Mrs. Odiete alleged that Hon. Ovo Abeke also threatened to kill Mr. Ebosele for interfering in the matter.

She further alleged that throughout the confrontation, Hon. Ovo Abeke repeatedly boasted that his brother’s position as Chairman of Sapele Local Government Council placed him above the law.

The journalist stated that she now lives in fear and psychological distress, expressing concern over a possible attack on her life.

In the petition, she called on the DSS to urgently investigate the repeated threats, alleged abuse of political influence, alleged use of thugs, and possible threats to public peace and safety in Sapele.

She also appealed for security protection and urged authorities to invite and investigate all persons connected to the alleged threats before the matter degenerates into violence.

The development has reportedly generated concern among residents and media practitioners, with calls on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in Sapele and Delta State to take note of the allegations and ensure that the matter is thoroughly addressed in the interest of peace, democracy, and the safety of journalists and citizens.

As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Ovo Abeke had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.