Traditional Rulers Council Confident Suspects Will Be Arrested and Prosecuted After Murder Attempt

By Daniel Abia, P/Harcourt

The traditional rulers council of Khana local government area in Rivers State has expressed concern over what it describes as a staged protest by certain individuals in the area, allegedly intended to distract from the ongoing investigation into an attempted assassination of His Majesty, King Suanu Baridam.

A statement released by the king’s palace—who also chairs the Khana traditional rulers council—on Sunday questioned why some people appear uneasy when suspects linked to the attack are arrested and questioned by security forces. “We therefore ask a simple question: Why are some persons uncomfortable with the arrest of criminal suspects and the continuation of police investigations?” the statement read.

The statement added that, although the investigation into the attempted murder is still underway, security agencies have already made arrests related to the incident. Some of the arrested suspects have reportedly made confessional statements that have helped investigators identify other persons involved.

The palace emphasized that criminal investigations are guided by evidence and intelligence, not by community affiliation, political considerations, or personal sentiments. “It does not matter whether a suspect comes from Taabaa, Sogho, Okwale, or any other community. If evidence links any individual to the attempted murder of His Majesty, security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to investigate and take appropriate action.”

It also noted that distance or location does not protect a suspect from investigation and prosecution. “Even if any individual linked to the crime is located in Sokoto, the United States, the United Kingdom, or any other part of the world, security agencies possess the expertise, legal framework, and inter‑agency cooperation mechanisms required to track, apprehend, and bring such suspects to justice. Therefore, no person should assume that geographical distance or relocation can serve as a barrier to ongoing investigations or the pursuit of justice.”

The statement, signed by the palace’s media consultant, Dr. Domene Mea, rejected any portrayal of lawful investigations as persecution or harassment. It added that “the attack on His Majesty was not a minor incident. It was a coordinated and violent attack allegedly aimed at taking the life of a foremost traditional ruler between Sogho and Taabaa communities. Such a serious crime cannot and should not be ignored.”

“We also wish to assure the peace‑loving people of Taabaa that His Majesty has no personal dispute with the community. Likewise, the Ancient Bangha Kingdom maintains cordial and longstanding relationships with families, leaders, and residents of Taabaa Community.”

“The issue at hand is not a conflict between communities. Rather, it is a criminal investigation aimed at identifying and prosecuting those responsible for an attempt on the life of a traditional ruler. Innocent citizens have absolutely nothing to fear from a lawful and professional investigation.”

“The Palace recognizes and appreciates the many responsible and law‑abiding citizens of Taabaa who continue to cooperate with security agencies and support efforts to rid Ogoniland of criminal elements, illegal weapons, and violent activities that threaten peace and development.”

“We therefore urge members of the public not to be distracted by sponsored campaigns, misleading narratives, or protests intended to undermine confidence in the ongoing investigation. Justice must be allowed to take its full course.”

The statement called on all well‑meaning citizens of Ogoniland to support the efforts of security agencies, local government authorities, the Rivers State Government, and the Federal Government in the collective fight against criminality.

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