The governor’s comments have created a tense and violent atmosphere, amid allegations that thugs loyal to him, led by Edo APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka, vandalised Obazee’s residence in Amagba, Benin City.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has publicly threatened an Edo-born, UK-based media critic, Albert Obazee, vowing to send him to prison and warning that he would not be allowed to freely step on Nigerian soil.
In a video interview obtained by SaharaReporters, the governor was heard issuing the threat while admitting that he closely monitors Obazee’s social media activities, including posts critical of his administration.
“Obazee will definitely go to prison. I said he will not touch the soil of Nigeria,” Okpebholo said.
“I wake up every night, I stay awake from 3am, watching all the social media, even Obazee, watching him abuse me. I learnt something from him. There is nothing I don’t see.”
The governor’s comments have created a tense and violent atmosphere, amid allegations that thugs loyal to him, led by Edo APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka, vandalised Obazee’s residence in Amagba, Benin City.
In another video sighted by SaharaReporters, the scene at the residence of Obazee showed extensive destruction, with both the exterior and interior of the building reportedly damaged.
An eyewitness who occupies one of the flats in the compound confirmed the incident off-camera, citing fear of intimidation.
“I saw up to about 30 boys walking towards the gate with all sorts of weapons,” the eyewitness said.
The incident reportedly followed Obazee’s social media post alleging that Tony Kabaka had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged mutilation of NERRA nodes.
Kabaka later confirmed that he had indeed been invited and interrogated by the EFCC, a development Obazee said validated his report.
About 24 hours after the post, Obazee raised the alarm again, alleging that his house—worth millions of naira—had been destroyed by thugs led by Kabaka.
Speaking on the incident, Obazee said the attack has left him and those connected to him living in fear.
“The occupant of my house saw him. He came to destroy my house,” Obazee said. “Tony Kabaka has terrified me, my family, and the occupants of my house.
“Right now, everyone affiliated with me is scared. I want the relevant authorities and the Edo State Government to look into this matter.”
SaharaReporters previously reported that fresh allegations of state-backed political violence rocked Edo State, as thugs linked to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s political family are accused of harassing critics, brutalising citizens, and silencing dissent.
Meanwhile, Nigerian human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has reacted to the growing reports of violence.
Adeyanju vowed to petition the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and other Western countries to impose visa bans on Edo politicians and their alleged foot soldiers involved in the oppression of critics and vulnerable citizens.
Multiple sources told SaharaReporters that some of the identified thugs were involved in the recent attack on a popular critic, Don Pedro, who was reportedly beaten and stripped by hoodlums believed to be operating with political backing.
In a related incident, Adam Ehigiamusoe, also known as Shaba, one of the alleged enforcers, was accused of brutally assaulting a female staff member over a salary dispute two days before the attack on Don Pedro—raising further concerns about a pattern of unchecked violence and abuse.
Those identified by sources as part of the network allegedly terrorising critics in Edo State include Chris Osa (a cameraman), Kapuepue Adun (alleged ringleader), Kelly Okungbowa (aka Ebo Stone), Amas Edobor, Tony Kabaka Adun, Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, Adam Ehigiamusoe (Shaba), Imasuen Izoduwa, Culture Iyamu, and Stephen Eriamatoe.
Reacting to the developments, Adeyanju issued a warning, stressing that international accountability would be pursued.
“Over the years, we have succeeded in most of our Visa Ban advocacies against Nigerian politicians as many of them can no longer visit the US and other developed nations. The tyrants in Edo State and their little cretins are next. The ongoing dehumanisation of critics and citizens in Edo state must stop,” Adeyanju said.