The Nigeria Police Force has taken a significant step in a high-profile investigation, inviting a former top Rivers State official for questioning over an alleged assassination plot against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
Police Investigation Targets Governor's Ally
The Intelligence Response Team (IRT) of the Nigeria Police Force has formally invited Tammy Wenike Danagogo, the immediate past Secretary to the Rivers State Government. The invitation, issued in January 2026, centers on a leaked telephone conversation where Danagogo is alleged to have discussed plans to assassinate Minister Wike. Danagogo is known to be a close ally of the current Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
The leaked audio reportedly features a discussion between Danagogo and Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, a medical doctor and founder of the Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt. In the conversation, the two men are said to have deliberated on recruiting an Israeli national to carry out the assassination of the FCT Minister. The discussion allegedly concluded with a plan to seek funding for the operation from Governor Fubara himself.
Arrests and Rising Political Tensions
This development follows the earlier arrest of Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol. Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed Gbeneol's arrest in a statement on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Hundeyin indicated that further details would be provided upon completion of the suspect's interrogation.
The police invitation was made public by Lere Olayinka, a media aide to Minister Nyesom Wike, fueling the already intense political rivalry. The incident unfolds against a backdrop of severe and ongoing political friction between Wike and his successor, Governor Fubara. The two leaders have been engaged in a public war of words since the Christmas holiday period.
Furthermore, Governor Fubara faces accusations of disregarding a peace agreement he signed with President Bola Tinubu in 2025, intended to resolve the protracted political crisis in Rivers State.
Public Reaction and Calls for Justice
The news has sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians, with many expressing shock and demanding a thorough investigation. Comments gathered from social media platform X reflect a mix of skepticism and condemnation.
One user, Olufemi Aluko, dismissed the plot as ludicrous, stating, "Once I saw Israel, I just started laughing. We’re not serious in this country. I just knew it had to be a joke." Another, Seyi, questioned the authenticity and methods: "Leaked conversation. Yeah. How many phone taps do the DSS actually have running?"
Others called for accountability. Dare urged, "Has it got to this? This is barbaric. If found culpable, he should be made to face the law." Meenah highlighted the broader implications: "Another shocking development. When close allies of a governor are linked to alleged assassination plots, it raises serious questions about leadership and accountability. Rivers State deserves leaders who unify, not ones whose associates spark fear and chaos."
The Nigeria Police Force's investigation remains active as it seeks to unravel the full details of the alleged plot and the identities of all individuals involved.
