Fresh concerns have emerged over the unresolved killings of two prominent community figures in Oshiugboko, Rivers State, as members of the community allege that those behind the crime are walking free, aided by bribery and political influence.
In a detailed statement issued by the leadership of Oshiugboko Community, disturbing allegations were made against two individuals—Moji Frank Sampson Ogwu and his brother, Emeka Kingsley Sampson Ogwu—whom the community accuse of orchestrating a reign of violence, intimidation, and ultimately, murder.
The matter dates back to 2021, when Aradel Holding PLC reportedly acquired a portion of land at the Oshidhiogu waterfront in Ahoada East Local Government Area. The Ogwu brothers, who were not officially recognised as community representatives, allegedly positioned themselves as the sole liaisons with the oil firm, excluding other stakeholders and signing agreements without community approval. Tensions grew when the community questioned the lack of royalties from crude loading operations at the jetty. In response, the Ogwu brothers accused the paramount ruler, Chief Elysian John, of accepting bribes and began efforts to unseat him.
With the backing of a notorious militia leader known as General Junior Prince Ishirim from Okporowo Community, the Ogwu brothers allegedly created a parallel leadership structure in the community, replacing elected and qualified officials on the Host Communities Board of Trustees with loyalists and family members—some of whom lacked the legal qualifications outlined by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The situation escalated in early January 2024. After members of the Umudho Ule youth group visited the jetty to observe activities, they were met with violence days later. General Junior and his armed followers allegedly stormed the community, targeting the homes of those who participated in the visit. Elder Samuel Dudu Ajikwara and his family were reportedly assaulted, while others, including Youth Secretary Comrade Chidom Obiri, suffered injuries. Photos and petitions submitted to the Rivers State Police allegedly support these claims.
Community leaders say they sought legal redress to reclaim misappropriated revenue, prompting renewed threats. When legal efforts intensified, so did the violence. On July 1, 2024, an assassination attempt was made on the youth president, Comrade Noble Chiemela Joel, who barely escaped. His property was looted, and his wife was warned that he would be hunted down for opposing the Ogwu brothers. It was also revealed that he had previously been detained for six months on what the community describes as trumped-up charges.
The Ogwu brothers allegedly removed the eldest man of the community from office and imposed another in his place. Elder Samuel Dudu Ajikwara was also reportedly ostracised from the family for supporting youth leadership and speaking out.
The violence peaked with the murder of community youth member, Remember Chiwokwa Mini, on July 15, 2024. He was allegedly gunned down by General Junior at 3am in his own home after questioning why community youths were not being employed by Aradel Holding PLC.
In a separate but related incident, the Ogwu brothers were said to have attempted to seize a traditional stool within the Orlukwor clan, using bribery to secure support. However, they were defeated in the election by HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, who subsequently appointed the now-late Comrade Saviour Ajikwara as his Personal Assistant. This reportedly angered Moji Ogwu, who allegedly marked both Ajikwara and Chief Elysian John for elimination.
On September 8, 2024, during a scheduled peace meeting in Okporowo community, both Ajikwara and Chief John were allegedly abducted and murdered. A third person at the meeting, Hon. Emeka Gordon, survived and later revealed the chilling details. According to Gordon, they were blindfolded and led into the forest by General Junior’s men, accused of undermining the Ogwu brothers’ authority. Gordon, a relative of General Junior, was spared after swearing an oath of silence—an oath he eventually broke out of moral obligation.
The community claims that the Ogwu brothers were initially arrested by the Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT) in Port Harcourt but allegedly bribed their way to freedom. Following intense pressure from the Ajikwara family, they were re-arrested. However, a report published by on June 22, 2025, appeared to defend the Ogwu brothers, portraying them as respected community leaders and painting a different picture of the events.
Community representatives strongly refuted that claim, clarifying that no farmland with crude oil deposits belongs to the Ogwu family or any other family in Oshiugboko. They stated that Aradel Holding PLC is currently operating a crude evacuation site via jetty at the Oshidhiogu waterfront, using barges and tugboats daily. However, no formal agreement has been signed with the rightful landowners or the broader community.
Late Comrade Saviour Ajikwara, before his death, had submitted petitions to the police and DSS, outlining threats to his life and naming Moji and Emeka Ogwu as suspects. The community leaders have now called on the Inspector General of Police, the Attorney General of the Federation, civil society groups, and human rights organizations to intervene and ensure justice is served.
They also urge the federal government to compel Aradel Holding PLC to cease further exploitation of the waterfront until a fair agreement is reached with the rightful community representatives.
Signed:
Chief Elder Salon Enyi – Eldest Man in the Community
Chief Aforma Godwin – Paramount Ruler
Mr. Ernest Lot Obiri – C.D.C Chairman, Oshiugboko
Mr. Alali Uwuma Stanley – Community Secretary
Mr. Noble Chiemela Joel – Youth President
Mrs. Florence G. Abi – Women Leader
