BREAKING: Delta Journalist Petitions DSS, Accuses APC Chairman Ovo Abeke of Threats, Intimidation
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SAPELE, Delta State – A journalist based in Sapele, 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.
The petition has raised fresh concerns about the safety of journalists operating in politically sensitive environments in Delta State.
In the petition submitted to the DSS, Mrs. Odiete, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), alleged that she has faced repeated intimidation and threats from Hon. Ovo Abeke over several years. She stated that the alleged actions have affected her ability to carry out her professional duties without fear.
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“Every time I go out to report, I look over my shoulder,” Odiete wrote in the petition, a copy of which was obtained by this reporter. “This has gone on for years, and I can no longer work in fear. No journalist should be held against their will for simply doing their job.”
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According to the petition, one of the incidents reportedly occurred on April 6, 2023, at the Sapele Local Government Council Secretariat. Mrs. Odiete alleged that Hon. Ovo Abeke and another individual confronted her while she was carrying out her journalistic duties. She claimed that the incident resulted in intimidation and that she was held within the council premises for several hours before she later regained her freedom.
Following the incident, her lawyer, Barr. P. M. Obiagba, reportedly submitted a formal petition to the DSS office in Sapele on April 10, 2023.
What Happened to the 2023 Petition?
It remains unclear whether the DSS acted on that earlier petition. When asked by this reporter, a DSS official in Sapele who declined to be named said he could not comment on “ongoing or past matters.” No written response has been received by Odiete’s lawyer, according to the petition. A request for comment sent to the DSS spokesperson was not replied to before press time.
Recent Incident During APC Primary
The journalist also referenced a more recent incident during the APC Senatorial Primary Election held on May 17, 2026 involving Ede Dafinone and Ovie Omo-Agege.
She stated that 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. She explained that she was only added as a participant after the platform had already been created by another individual.
“He shouted at me in front of other party members and said I would regret crossing him,” Odiete alleged in the petition. “I felt my life was in danger.”
Mrs. Odiete further alleged that threats were made during the confrontation. She also claimed that a physically challenged man, identified as Mr. Jude Ebosele, popularly known as “Diplomat,” intervened in an attempt to calm the situation.
Mr. Jude Ebosele could not be reached for comment. A person who answered a phone number associated with him said they were “not Diplomat” and hung up. Multiple messages left with a known associate also went unanswered.
Journalist Calls for Protection
In her petition, the journalist expressed concerns about her safety and called on the DSS to investigate the allegations, prevent any breakdown of law and order, and provide protection for her while carrying out her professional duties.
She also urged security agencies to invite all parties connected to the matter for questioning, including Hon. Ovo Abeke and Mr. Jude Ebosele.
NUJ Yet to Issue Official Statement
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Delta State Council, had not issued an official statement as of press time. However, a senior union official who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “If these allegations are true, this is a serious assault on press freedom. The union will likely issue a position after reviewing the petition.”
The allegations have generated reactions among some residents and media practitioners in Sapele, with several calling for a peaceful and transparent resolution of the matter.
A journalist in Sapele who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity said press freedom must be protected to preserve democratic accountability.
Accused Yet to Respond
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Ovo Abeke had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
This reporter made three phone calls and sent two text messages to Abeke’s known mobile line, none were returned.
A message sent to a family member who requested anonymity was also not answered. This article will be updated if a response is received.
Legal Analysts Weigh In
Under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, freedom of expression and press freedom are constitutionally guaranteed. Media rights advocates, however, continue to raise concerns over cases involving alleged harassment and intimidation of journalists across the country.
Timeline of Events
- ·April 6, 2023 – Alleged confrontation at Sapele Local Government Council Secretariat
- April 10, 2023 – Petition reportedly submitted to DSS Sapele by Barr. P. M. Obiagba
- May 17, 2026 – Alleged disagreement during APC Senatorial Primary Election
- Present – DSS yet to issue an official public statement; Hon. Ovo Abeke yet to respond publicly despite multiple contact attempts
Editor’s Note: This report is based on allegations contained in a petition submitted to the DSS by Mrs. Stephanie Ikanone Odiete. The allegations have not been proven in court, and all parties mentioned remain presumed innocent unless otherwise established by due legal process. This newspaper has made repeated attempts to contact Hon. Ovo Abeke and Mr. Jude Ebosele for their side of the story and will publish any responses if received.
