Akassa Chiefs Break Silence, Defend Speaker Ingobere Against Alleged Criminality Link As Navy Arrests ‘Militant’
By Passman Akpos
BAYELSA — The Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs has commended the Nigerian Navy for its recent operation in Brass Local Government Area, describing the arrest of suspected criminal elements led by a man identified as “Sunday” as a major breakthrough in the restoration of peace across the Akassa Clan.
The council also strongly rejected allegations linking the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, High Chief Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, the Ibe Tupuka of Akassa Kingdom, to the sponsorship of criminal activities in the area.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Akassa Clan Council of Chiefs and Chairman of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) Central Zone, HRH Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII, the traditional institution said the Nigerian Navy’s intervention had brought significant relief to residents of Igu-Buo, also known as Cape Formoso Island, and neighbouring communities.
According to the council, the suspected criminal group had allegedly terrorised Igu-Buo and was linked to the unlawful killing of Chief Inatimi Ikua in 2025.
The statement praised the Nigerian Navy for what it described as a “swift, professional and decisive operation,” while commending officers and men involved in the operation for their discipline and commitment.
The development follows an earlier report by Tarakirivoice on the arrest of suspected militant kingpin Sunday Godlaw and his alleged associate, Prosper Tumbe, by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) FORMOSO.
According to the earlier account, the suspects were arrested at Opugbene, Akassa, on August 22, 2026, following intelligence-led operations. An AK-47 rifle, three loaded magazines and a mobile phone were reportedly recovered.
The Navy had also alleged that preliminary interrogation pointed to possible involvement in terror-related activities, kidnapping and attacks resulting in civilian deaths in neighbouring communities. Those allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
Chiefs Warn Youths Against Criminality
The Akassa Clan Council used the occasion to issue a stern warning to youths in the area, urging them to stay away from criminal activities.
The council said crime could only lead to destruction and urged young people to embrace lawful enterprise, hard work, dignity and respect for constituted authority.
It stressed that the future of Akassa depended on the ability of its youths to pursue legitimate opportunities rather than criminal activities capable of destroying individuals and destabilising communities.
Chiefs Reject Allegations Against Speaker Ingobere
The council’s statement also took aim at what it described as a “mischievous and sponsored attempt” to associate Speaker Abraham Ingobere with criminality.
The traditional institution declared the allegations “baseless, malicious and without foundation,” insisting that Ingobere had contributed significantly to the welfare and development of people within and beyond Akassa Clan.
The council cited alleged interventions including assistance with medical treatment, support for elderly persons, educational assistance and empowerment of indigenes engaged in business and trade.
It consequently warned the public and media organisations against publishing unverified allegations capable of damaging the reputation of individuals.
The council’s position places the controversy squarely within the broader debate over security, political influence and youth criminality in the coastal communities of Bayelsa State.
“Peace Has Been Restored”
The Akassa traditional institution further declared that peace had been restored in Hununu Community and its environs following the Nigerian Navy’s intervention.
It urged residents to return to their normal economic activities without fear or intimidation and pledged continued cooperation with security agencies.
The council said it would continue to support efforts aimed at combating criminality and maintaining peace across the Akassa domain.
The statement was dated August 26, 2026, and signed by HRH Moses Theophilus Kenibara VII.
As security agencies continue investigations into the arrested suspects and efforts to locate other alleged members of the group, attention is expected to remain focused on the security situation in Brass and surrounding coastal communities.
