Four men recently acquitted in the Rivers State Assembly fire case have raised alarming claims of political intimidation and coercion. They allege powerful figures are pressuring them to falsely implicate Edison Ehie, Chief of Staff to suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Cleared After Six Months in Kuje Prison
Chime Ezebalike, Kenneth Kpasa, Oladele Lukman, and MacPherson Olumini were detained for over six months before their release in November 2024.
A court dismissed all charges linking them to the Rivers Assembly fire incident.
Political Pressure to Rewrite Testimonies
At a press briefing in Port Harcourt, Ezebalike claimed a top PDP leader in Obio/Akpor asked them to change their statements.
Three of the four suspects appeared on camera, denouncing the alleged attempt to manipulate the truth.
Alleged Plot Linked to Ongoing Power Struggle
The men said the request aimed to support earlier accusations made by former Head of Service George Nwaeke in Abuja.
“We were told to name Edison Ehie as the mastermind. But we won’t betray the truth,” Ezebalike stated.
Shocking Allegations of Torture and Abuse
They described a disturbing ordeal, including blindfolded arrests, torture, and denial of legal access at the F-IRT facility in Port Harcourt.
One suspect said a Rivers Assembly member and a security officer pressured them to lie, using threats and violence.
Bribes, Threats, and Relocation Offers
According to the group, a former LGA chairman offered them ₦200 million and overseas relocation to secure their cooperation.
These offers reportedly continued during their detention in Abuja.
In another case, a detainee was allegedly promised release if he falsely accused Kenneth Kpasa of arson.
‘We Won’t Be Silenced’
Now free, the men say they are speaking out not just for themselves—but for other innocent Nigerians facing political persecution.
“This country belongs to us all. No one should be tortured or forced to lie for political convenience,” they declared.
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