Posted by By ADESINA AIYEKOTI on
A traditional ruler, King Captain Nemi Iyalla Oputibeya X, currently being tried with two others, for alleged conspiracy and murder in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, has alleged that former Transport Minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo and the ex-governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili were brains behind the emergence of Ateke Tom as a militia leader.
A traditional ruler, King Captain Nemi Iyalla Oputibeya X, currently being tried with two others, for alleged conspiracy and murder in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, has alleged that former Transport Minister, Dr Abiye Sekibo and the ex-governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili were brains behind the emergence of Ateke Tom as a militia leader.
According to Oputibeya, Ateke was recruited by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through Dr Sekibo, to assist the party win election in Okrika and Rivers State in 1999.
He explained in his statement to the police which has already been attached to the proof of evidence before the court that since after the 1999 election, Ateke took over the control of Okrika.
'During my installation as Amanyanabo of Koniju Town, Okrika in 2001, Ateke was in control of the town and nothing could be done without him. He helped to provide security in conjunction with the police during my installation. Since Ateke was already in control, I was loyal to him on my installaion."
The traditional ruler further averred in his statement that he was aware that Ateke abducted 11 Bulgarians working with DAEWOO company in 2007, adding that following the incident, he pleaded with Ateke on phone to release the captives.
He further disclosed that the State Security Service (SSS) Director and the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, one Dr Agbala were in touch with the Bulgarians.
'The director of SSS later called me that Ateke was demanding for N250 million and requested that I talk to him. With my intervention and that of the director of SSS and SSG Bayelsa, the hostages were brought to my palace and released. Later, I heard that Ateke was given N50 million.
He added that a former chief security officer to ex-governor Odili, Larry Pepple had invited him to the Government House to collect N50 million for the release of the Bulgarians but he refused.
Confirming his relationship with Soty, the second-in-command to Ateke, Iyala Oputibeya said Soty had been to his palace on two occasions where he advised on their activities.
'I don't know the location of his armoury but he has them. I am not interested in the location of these things. Ateke's house in Okochiri is called 'White House," I am not aware of any planned attack on JTF by Ateke.
He said he had not made official report to the authority on the acitivities of Ateke because, 'I believe that the authority is aware of his acitivities. He works with Odili, Abiye Sekibo, Alaye Eremile, Amanze Sunday, party Chairman, PDP Okrika, Chief Dr Sekibo, so I am afraid to report. Alaye Eremie is my bosom friend."
In the Charge No PHC/75/2008 CR, filed before the Rivers State High Court, HRM King Oputibeya, Chief Stephen Nonju Opungiriko and Nathan Sotonye Alabo, for allegedly harbouring cult members, kidnapping and conspiracy to murder one Thompson Atuboyedia