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 involving Hon. Ovo Abeke, the APC Ward 7 Chairman in Sapele Local Government Area.
In the petition submitted to the DSS in Asaba, Mrs. Odiete, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), alleged that she has faced repeated intimidation and threats over the years.
According to the petition, one of the incidents reportedly occurred on April 6, 2023, at the Sapele Local Government Council Secretariat, where she alleged that Hon. Ovo Abeke and another individual confronted her during the course of her journalistic duties.
She claimed that the situation resulted in her being intimidated and delayed within the council premises for several hours before she later regained her freedom.
Mrs. Odiete further stated that following the incident, her lawyer, Barr. P. M. Obiagba, submitted a petition to the DSS office in Sapele on April 10, 2023.
The journalist also referenced a more recent incident during the APC Senatorial Primary Election involving Senator Ede Dafinone and Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. She said she attended the event strictly in her professional capacity as a reporter when a disagreement allegedly arose over a WhatsApp group linked to APC Ward 7.
According to her account, Hon. Ovo Abeke accused her of creating the group, an allegation she denied, explaining that she was only added as a participant after the platform had already been created.
She further alleged that threats were made during the confrontation. Mrs. Odiete also claimed that a physically challenged man, identified as Mr. Jude Ebosele, popularly known as “Diplomat,” intervened in an attempt to calm the situation.
In her petition, the journalist expressed concerns for her safety and called on the DSS to investigate the allegations and take necessary steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
She also appealed for protection and urged security agencies to invite all parties connected to the matter for questioning.
The allegations have reportedly generated reactions among some residents and media practitioners in Sapele, with calls for a peaceful and transparent resolution of the matter.
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Ovo Abeke had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
