Police order arrest of suspects behind forced resignation of Rivers administrator

The Rivers State Police Command has issued a directive for the immediate arrest of those involved in the brutal attack and alleged forced resignation of the Sole Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Hon. Goodluck Iheamnacho.

The move comes after shocking video footage emerged showing the embattled council boss being physically assaulted by a mob, allegedly led by his own Chief Security Officer (CSO), Hector Ekakita, and Chief of Staff, during an incident at the council headquarters on Friday, June 20, 2025.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 22, by the spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police described the attack as “heinous, reprehensible, and totally unacceptable,” vowing to bring all perpetrators to justice.

According to the statement, about 30 suspected hoodlums stormed the council premises at around 1:40 p.m., where they allegedly assaulted Iheamnacho, vandalized his office, looted official documents, and carted away his personal belongings including his mobile phone. The police further confirmed that the victim is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.

“The Rivers State Police Command is aware of, and deeply disturbed by, the heinous attack on the Sole Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Goodluck Iheamnacho,” the statement read.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, after visiting the scene of the attack with heads of other security agencies, has ordered the CSO, the Chief of Staff, and others involved to report to the State Police Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, for immediate questioning.”

The CP also warned that anyone who fails to honour the police summons will face dire consequences.

The incident, which has has gone viral on various Nigeria news platform, was captured in a viral video showing Iheamnacho sitting helplessly on the floor while being assaulted by several men. One voice in the background is heard shouting, “Sign that thing immediately,” referring to a resignation letter reportedly brought by the mob.

In a radio interview on Saturday, June 21, Iheamnacho denied resigning, claiming the letter circulating online was fabricated after the attack. He recounted how the attackers beat him, stole council documents, and left him injured.

“I did not resign as Sole Administrator of Ahoada East. I was attacked, and the so-called resignation letter was not signed by me. It was forced,” he said.

However, in a separate radio interview, the council’s CSO, Hector Ekakita, contradicted Iheamnacho’s account, insisting that he voluntarily resigned after angry youths stormed the council demanding his removal over allegations of embezzlement and absentee leadership.

“They were not thugs,” Ekakita said. “They were concerned Ahoada East youths who were fed up with his poor performance.”

Meanwhile, the police have promised a thorough investigation and urged all individuals implicated to turn themselves in. As tensions remain high in the area, security has reportedly been beefed up at the council secretariat to prevent further breakdown of law and order.