“The Notorious Cultist Who Killed My Father Still Roams Free” — Son Of Rivers Chief Cries For Justice

In this exclusive interview with Joseph Dabiri, the son of late Chief Ferdinand Dabiri, Vice Chairman of the Obelle Council of Chiefs in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, recounts the tragic murder of his father during a family meeting and expresses deep frustration over the lingering impunity surrounding the case.

Q: How long did your father serve as the Vice Chairman of the Obelle Council of Chiefs before his untimely death?

I can’t say the exact duration, but he had served in that capacity for more than a year before he was murdered. He was deeply respected in the community.

Q: Was his appointment a result of lobbying or was there any internal conflict that led to his emergence?

Absolutely not. My father was never the type to lobby for positions. He was a principled man—respected for his uprightness and peaceful disposition. As far as I know, there was no misunderstanding that led to his emergence.

Q: It has been reported that your father was killed in broad daylight. Can you walk us through what happened?

It happened on the morning of July 19, 2025, during a family meeting held at my grandfather’s residence in Obelle. My father was seated with other kinsmen, discussing family matters, when suddenly, a motorcycle approached the compound. A man with a gun got off the bike, walked straight up to my dad, and shot him in the chest at close range. The bike sped off immediately.

Despite initial resistance from one of the men in the meeting who attempted to restrain the gunman, he managed to break free and fired at my father two more times—ensuring he was dead before fleeing. My father was 70 years old.

Q: That must have been traumatic. Do you know what led to that meeting and the issues being discussed?

Yes. The meeting stemmed from a recent dispute. A young man from the extended family had earlier threatened to kill my father. My father reported the threat to the young man’s elder brother, who promised to intervene. Shockingly, that same young man went back to other family members and falsely accused my father of threatening him instead.

He also claimed my dad disliked him and didn’t want him at the meeting, which was completely false. My father held the title of Eze, while the young man’s father held the Oha title. Since his father is currently ill, he was representing him in the family. It was based on that accusation that the family summoned my dad to the meeting—his first in a long time—and sadly, it was his last.

Q: What was the general reaction of your kinsmen following the assassination?

Honestly, not much has happened—at least not immediately. As of Wednesday, 23rd July, the atmosphere remained tense. We’ve reported the case to the police, and they have said investigations are ongoing. From what I hear, some arrests may be underway.

Q: Do you know who the killer is?

Yes. The killer is a known individual from Obelle, although he’s not one of our direct kinsmen. He lives in the community and had already been declared wanted by the police before this incident. It is said that he has murdered over 10 people this year alone. He is feared in the community, and frankly, it is hard to believe he hasn’t been arrested yet. It makes us suspect that certain people may be shielding him.

Q: How has your immediate family coped with the tragedy?

We are devastated. I am the second son. My elder brother flew in from Abuja upon hearing the news. Normally, we avoid going to the village due to the recurring tension and threats. It was only our father, as a chief, who used to travel there regularly. He had even stayed away for some time until this ill-fated trip.

Q: Did your father reside in the village?

No. We have lived in Port Harcourt since the 1990s. My dad only visited the village occasionally due to his chieftaincy role.

Q: Have you or your siblings received any direct threats since the killing?

The murder of my father in itself is a significant threat to our family. We can’t take anything lightly anymore.

Q: Given that you weren’t physically present, how did you gather these details?

Most of the account was relayed to us by my uncle, my dad’s only younger brother, who was present at the meeting. He has taken on the responsibility of liaising with the police and pursuing justice. There’s also my aunt, who has been in tears ever since. She too witnessed the tragedy.

Q: What do you do for a living?

I’m a chef by profession.

Q: Finally, how would you describe your late father?

My father was an engineering contractor. He was a gentle, honourable, and peace-loving man. He stayed away from conflict and always sought to live in harmony with others. His death is heartbreaking. All we seek now is justice. Whoever masterminded or carried out this act must be held accountable.