On May 5, 2026, the Rivers State Police Command arrested 13 suspects in connection with the assault of investigative journalist, Mr Allwell Ene, who was investigating a suspected phone purchase fraud.
According to media reports, the journalist was reportedly attacked while carrying out a solo investigation at the Garrison area of Port Harcourt, a location described by authorities as a known crime hotspot. Police said operatives of the Olu-Obasanjo Division swiftly responded to a distress report, rescued him from the scene, and later launched an investigation that led to the arrest of the 13 suspects.
Police spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, said the Command obtained a first-hand account from the journalist after the incident and immediately intensified efforts to track down those involved. She noted that the suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation following preliminary investigations into the attack. According to her, the area where the incident occurred is frequently associated with phone theft and harassment of residents, prompting regular police raids in the vicinity.
The spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack and ensure that all individuals involved are brought to justice. She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to thoroughly pursuing the case without delay.
Agabe also quoted the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, as advising journalists to avoid conducting solo investigative assignments in high-risk areas. He urged media practitioners to work closely with security agencies to enhance their safety while carrying out their duties.
