A journalist based in Sapele, Delta State, Mrs Stephanie Ikanone Odiete, has petitioned the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged threats, intimidation and harassment allegedly linked to the APC Ward 7 Chairman in Sapele Local Government Area, Hon. Ovo Abeke.
Mrs Odiete, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Sapele Correspondent Chapel, made the complaint in a petition submitted to the DSS office in Asaba, where she called for urgent intervention and protection.
In the petition, she alleged that she had been subjected to repeated intimidation over time in the course of carrying out her journalistic duties.
She cited an incident on April 6, 2023, at the Sapele Local Government Council Secretariat, where she claimed she was confronted by Hon. Abeke and another individual while on official assignment.
According to her, the encounter led to her being allegedly detained and intimidated within the council premises for several hours before she was eventually allowed to leave.
The journalist further stated that following the incident, her counsel, Barr. P. M. Obiagba, had earlier lodged a formal complaint at the DSS office in Sapele on April 10, 2023.
She also referenced a more recent confrontation during the APC senatorial primary election involving political stakeholders, where she said she was present in her professional capacity as a reporter.
Mrs Odiete alleged that she was accused by Hon. Abeke of creating a WhatsApp group linked to APC Ward 7, a claim she denied, insisting she was only added to an already existing platform.
She further claimed that the situation escalated into verbal threats before the intervention of a physically challenged man identified as Mr Jude Ebosele, popularly known as “Diplomat,” who reportedly stepped in to de-escalate tensions.
In her petition, she expressed concern over her safety and urged the DSS to investigate the allegations, invite all parties involved and take necessary steps to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The allegations have reportedly generated concern among residents and members of the media community in Sapele, with calls for calm and a thorough investigation into the matter.
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Abeke had not publicly responded to the allegations, as repeated attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.
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