Rivers LG Chairman Allegedly Assault His Female Aide

Hon. Eugene Ekpelle, Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government, is facing scrutiny after his former media aide, Minnie Ogadinma, alleged that he ordered his brother, Monday Cheta, to assault her following a social media post about the poor condition of Community Secondary School, Odioku.

Ogadinma claimed that Ekpelle visited her home, accused her of trying to tarnish his image, and instructed his brother to “teach her a lesson.” She said both she and her mother sustained injuries during the attack, which was only stopped when neighbors intervened. Ogadinma was also reportedly relieved of her duties the same day.

The council, through Chief Press Secretary Dennis Ezeuwa Lot, denied the allegations, calling them “false and malicious.” The statement said the chairman went to Ogadinma’s residence for a peaceful engagement, that she confronted him with insults, and that any injuries were minor and accidental. The council also noted that oversight of Community Secondary School falls under the Rivers State Government, not the local council.

Human rights lawyer Chetam Nwala condemned the alleged assault, while civic groups, including Relief International Africa, called for the chairman’s arrest, prosecution, a public apology, and compensation for Ogadinma’s injuries and displacement.