A grave situation continues to unfold in Oshiugboko Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, as community members accuse Moji Frank Sampson Ogwu and Emeka Kingsley Sampson Ogwu of orchestrating a deadly campaign of intimidation, violence, and murder.
The two brothers, previously portrayed as respected leaders, are now at the centre of a six-count charge including murder, terrorism, and kidnapping.
Controversial Land Deal Sparks Community Crisis
The crisis reportedly began in 2021, when Aradel Holding PLC acquired a waterfront site in Oshidhiogu, owned by the Umudho Ule family.
The Sampson brothers allegedly acted as unauthorised representatives, signing a land agreement with the company concerning jetty development without communal consent.
When Chief Elysian O. John, the Paramount Ruler, questioned missing community royalties, the brothers accused him of bribery and moved to have him dethroned.
Allegations then surfaced that forged documents were used to remove him from the Host Communities Board of Trustees—a position he won in a public election.
Escalation of Violence and Intimidation
Community members recount mounting hostility, including:
- Formation of a vigilante group armed and paid by the Sampson brothers.
- A coordinated assault on the Ajikwara family by militant youth leader “General Junior” on January 7, 2024.
- Repeated threats and attempts to assassinate youth leaders, including Comr. Noble Chimela Joel.
- The killing of a youth member, Remember Chiwokwa Mini, in July 2024, allegedly for questioning the company’s employment practices.
- Failed Power Grab and Deadly Consequences
- In 2024, Moji Sampson attempted to ascend the traditional stool of Eze Igbu Orlukwor.
- Despite alleged bribery, he was defeated by HRH Eze Prince Ike Ehie, who appointed activist Comr. Saviour Ajikwara as his aide. This reportedly angered Moji, who compiled a list of community members to target, including Chief John and Ajikwara.
- On September 8, 2024, a peace meeting in Okporowo Community turned deadly. Attendees, including Chief John and Ajikwara, were blindfolded and taken into the forest. Only Hon. Emeka Gordon, a relative of the suspected militant, survived, later revealing the alleged double murder.
Arrests and Alleged Cover-Up
The Sampson brothers were arrested by the Special Operations and Intelligence Team but allegedly secured release through bribery. A public outcry led to their re-arrest, though justice concerns persist.
Community Calls for Intervention
Community members dispute a Sahara Reporters publication dated June 22, 2025, which seeks to exonerate the brothers. They assert that there are no oil-bearing lands in possession of the Sampson family, only a disputed jetty used by Aradel Holding PLC to evacuate crude from Ogbelle Oilfield.
A formal appeal has been issued to:
- Inspector General of Police
- Attorney General of the Federation
- DSS
- Human Rights and Civil Society Organisations
They seek a full investigation, protection for threatened individuals, and accountability for the alleged atrocities committed in Oshiugboko Community.
