A disturbing incident has unfolded in Rivers State, Nigeria, where Goodluck Iheamnacho, the Sole Administrator of Ahoada East Local Government Area, was brutally assaulted and forced to sign a resignation letter by a group of hoodlums. The attack, which occurred on Friday, June 20, 2025, has sparked widespread condemnation across the state.
According to eyewitnesses and a viral video obtained by The Nigeria Lawyer, Iheamnacho was beaten and humiliated by a group of men inside the Council Secretariat. One of the assailants was heard barking orders at him to "sign immediately," while another victim lay beside him, raising his hands in apparent surrender. The attackers, numbering over 30, were allegedly led by Hector Ekakita, the Chief Security Officer (CSO) and Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator.
The video showed Iheamnacho, who was appointed on April 11, 2025, tied up and whipped repeatedly as he was coerced into signing the resignation letter dated June 20 and addressed to the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas. The letter, which cited a desire to "return to the private sector," thanked the Rivers State Government and the people of Ahoada East for the opportunity to serve, although it erroneously stated his service ended on July 20 — a date still in the future.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched an investigation. The command's spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, described the act as "reprehensible" and disclosed that the attackers carted away vital documents and personal items from Iheamnacho's office. The Police have ordered Ekakita and all those involved to report to the State Police Headquarters for questioning.
"The hoodlums, led by Hector Ekakita, who doubles as the Chief Security Officer and Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator, not only assaulted the victim but also stole his mobile phones and forced him to sign a resignation letter," the statement said.
Iheamnacho is currently receiving medical attention and is in stable condition. The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, the Rivers State Police Command, has visited the scene alongside heads of other security agencies and has urged the suspects to report to the State Police Headquarters for questioning.
The incident has raised fresh questions about the breakdown of law and order in the oil-rich state amid the ongoing political crisis. The assault on Iheamnacho has sparked widespread condemnation across the state, with many calling for swift action to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Iheamnacho was one of 23 Sole Administrators appointed by the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, following the Federal Government's declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State in April. The emergency rule, declared by President Bola Tinubu, came with the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period, triggering a restructuring of the state's administrative apparatus.
The incident has highlighted the need for increased security measures and improved governance in Rivers State to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. As the investigation continues, many are watching with bated breath to see how the authorities will handle the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice.
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