False Accusation, I Didn’t Attack Council Chief — CSO

Hector Ekakita, Chief Security Officer to the Administrator of Ahoada-East Local Government Area in Rivers State, Goodluck Iheanachor, has firmly denied any connection to the recent attack on his principal.

Speaking during an appearance on The Morning Brief aired Monday on Channels Television, Ekakita dismissed the allegations as unfounded, stating that he had no role in the incident and was cooperating fully with ongoing investigations.

“I, as the chief security officer, how would I do that? How would I venture into carrying hoodlums to go and attack the man I’m working with? I was never found in the video,” he said.

He explained that he was in his office when he heard a noise and saw what was happening but was told not to interfere.

Ekakita said, “When I heard the noise of the political appointees that the sole administrator did not pay for the month of May when I barged in, I was asked to shut the door, that it was between him and those political appointees.

“I never made any video or carried any hoodlums to go and attack him. So, where did I and the chief of staff come into the picture?”

Controversy had trailed the reported resignation of Ihemnacho after a disturbing video surfaced online showing him being beaten by some individuals.

Read also: Police Launch Manhunt For Attackers Of Rivers Council Administrator

In the video, he was seen sitting on the floor, visibly distressed, as he was repeatedly struck with canes while voices off-camera yelled at him to “sign that thing” and “put your signature”.

Two documents were seen on a chair in front of him, and he appeared to be holding a pen.

A second man, later identified as the council secretary, Mr Alabi Umegbewe, was also dragged into the room and assaulted.

Consequently, the Rivers State Police Command condemned the violent attack, describing it as a “heinous” and “reprehensible” act.

According to a police statement released on Sunday, the attack occurred on June 20, 2025, at about 1:40 pm, when a group of about 30 hoodlums stormed the council secretariat.

The police statement read in part, “On June 20, 2025, at about 1340hrs, a group of hoodlums numbering about 30, led by Mr Hector Ekakita, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and the Chief of Staff (COS) to the sole administrator, respectively, stormed the council secretariat and attacked him.

“The Rivers State Police Command unequivocally condemns this reprehensible act and has taken swift action. The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, after visiting the scene of the attack with heads of other sister security agencies in the state, has directed the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Chief Of Staff (COS), and all those involved in this action to report to the Police State Headquarters, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, for questioning.”

Commissioner of Police Adepoju issued a stern warning, stating that any refusal to honour the official summons would attract serious repercussions. He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering resolve to uphold justice and ensure accountability, regardless of status or affiliation.

Africa Today News, New York