Hon. Eugene Epelle denies assault claims as police launch probe into confrontation that allegedly left former media aide and her mother injured.

The Chairman of Ahoada West Local Government Area in Rivers State, Hon. Eugene Chita Epelle, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations that he ordered the assault of his former media aide, Minnie Ogadinma, after she shared a viral video exposing the dilapidated condition of a public school in her community.

Ogadinma, also known as Ogadinma Minnie Uchechi, alleged that the confrontation occurred on Sunday evening, shortly after she posted a video highlighting the crumbling infrastructure at Community Secondary School, Odiokwu. The footage showed classrooms without roofs, a lack of chairs, and severe structural damage. In the post, she tagged activist VeryDarkMan and appealed for urgent intervention and renovation support.

According to her account, Chairman Epelle — accompanied by his younger brother, Monday Cheta, a security aide, and a driver — arrived unannounced at her residence. She claimed the chairman accused her of attempting to tarnish his reputation and allegedly instructed his brother to “teach her a lesson.”

Ogadinma alleged that Cheta forcefully opened the gate, pushed her mother — who reportedly sustained injuries and began bleeding from a previously stitched wound — and then proceeded to assault her inside the compound. She further claimed that the chairman urged his brother to “kill” her and that Cheta attempted to strike her with a shovel before neighbours intervened following her mother’s cries for help.

Both Ogadinma and her mother reportedly suffered injuries in the incident. She also stated that she was dismissed from her position as media aide later that same day.

However, Chairman Epelle has firmly denied the allegations. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dennis Ezeuwa Lot, the Ahoada West LGA described the claims as “false, malicious, and deliberately distorted.”

The statement maintained that the chairman’s visit was intended as a “peaceful and mature engagement,” alleging that Ogadinma responded with insults and hostility. It further claimed that she sustained minor injuries after falling during an attempt by a passerby to restrain her amid the heated exchange.

“At no point did the Chairman engage in any physical confrontation,” the statement read, challenging Ogadinma and her supporters to provide verifiable evidence, including video or photographic proof.

The council also clarified that Community Secondary School, Odiokwu, falls under the jurisdiction of the Rivers State Government, not the local government authority, urging the public to disregard what it described as politically motivated attempts to create tension.

The incident has sparked outrage among civil society groups and activists across Rivers State. Port Harcourt-based human rights lawyer, Chetam Nwala, described the alleged actions as “deeply troubling and unbecoming of a public office holder,” calling on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.

At a media briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Courage Nsirimovu, Director of the Pilex Centre for Civic Education, defended Ogadinma’s actions as a legitimate exercise of her constitutional right to demand accountability and monitor public infrastructure.

Similarly, Green Isaac, Director of Relief International Africa, called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the chairman if the allegations are substantiated, as well as a public apology and compensation for medical expenses and any related losses.

The Rivers State Police Command is said to be aware of the matter and has reportedly invited both parties for questioning as investigations continue.