News

JUST IN: DSS Replies Edo Deputy Governor On Claim Of Harassment

Published

3 years ago

August 11, 2023

The Department of State Services (DSS) has countered a suit filed by the deputy governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shaibu, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, which accused Governor Godwin Obaseki of using state apparatus and security agencies to prevent him from carrying out his statutory functions including attending the state executive council meeting.

The deputy governor also claimed that his principal is working with the state’s House of Assembly to impeach him ahead of the 2024 governorship election in the state.

But the governor had denied the allegations both to the press and in his processes before the court, accusing his deputy of planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress for the purpose of picking its governorship ticket ahead of the polls.

However, Justice A.R. Mohammed had upon hearing the deputy governor’s exparte motion, ordered parties to maintain status quo and appear before him on August 22 to show cause why the reliefs sought by Shaibu should not be granted.

Joined as respondents in the case as first to fifth respondents are the Inspector General of Police, State Security Service, Governor Obaseki, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge of the state.

Among other requests, Shaibu wants the court to restrain the defendants from harassing or intimidating him.

But in the secret police’s counter affidavit dated August 2 and obtained by THE WHISTLER, it contended that the applicant’s affidavit is allegedly replete with “baseless, spurious, sweeping speculations and conjectures” that cannot back the reliefs sought, especially against the DSS.

In its counter affidavit deposed to by Mamman Acia, the DSS denied being aware of any purported plans to prevent the deputy governor from attending State Executive Council Meetings or carry out his functions as the Deputy Governor of
Edo state.

Moreso, he argued that the plaintiff has failed woefully to link the DSS to any of the allegations of intimidation or harassment against him.

“Neither the name of the DSS, nor any of its agents was ever mentioned either in Plaintiff’s affidavit or any of the documents annexed to the Plaintiff’s affidavit supporting his originating Summons;

“The DSS does not carry out any action, be it investigation, arrest, or prosecute of any other person, without the due process of the Law;” he added.

He continued that the inclusion of DSS in the suit is merely based on speculation and not on any verifiable fact in existence.

The secret police further maintained that the deputy governor did not provide evidence of the purported act of intimidation, harassment or embarrassment by its operatives.

“My Lord, it is on the strength of the foregoing submissions that we
urge this Honourable Court to resolve the above issue in favour of the 2nd Defendant(DSS) and dismiss the Applicant’s suit in its entirety for want of merit and substance,” the DSS prayed.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.