Port Harcourt security operatives have arrested Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, a medical doctor and pastor of Life Forte Chapel Church, for allegedly planning to assassinate Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

According to sources cited by SaharaReporters, the arrest followed the interception of a phone conversation between Dr. Gbeneol and former Rivers State Secretary to the Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo. In the alleged call, the suspects reportedly discussed bringing Israeli nationals to carry out the assassination and planned to approach Governor Siminalayi Fubara for funding.

“The content of the call was considered a grave national security threat,” a senior security source said, prompting immediate action by the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

The IRT, led by Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, arrested Dr. Gbeneol, who has been in custody for about two weeks. Efforts are ongoing to locate Dr. Danagogo, who is believed to have gone underground.

The Nigeria Police confirmed the arrest, with Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin stating:

“He is in our custody. Investigation is ongoing.”

Detectives are reportedly working to uncover all details, including potential accomplices, while the investigation continues.