Suspected political thugs stormed a hotel in the Orazi area of Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, on Friday night, disrupting a live Arise TV broadcast featuring former Commissioner for Employment Generation, Dr. Leloonu Nwibubasa.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers, believed to be armed, broke into hotel rooms, seized mobile phones, and chanted in a local dialect while searching for Dr. Nwibubasa and the TV crew.
The live broadcast of News Night was abruptly halted after threats were issued against the former commissioner and journalists.
Hotel staff, assisted by the police, safely escorted Dr. Nwibubasa and the TV crew to the Kala Police Station.
Several pieces of broadcasting equipment were stolen, including a Sony Canada Z280 camera, tripod, and wireless microphones.
Dr. Nwibubasa condemned the attack, warning it signals potential threats to democratic engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
Police have begun preliminary investigations, but the Rivers State Police Command has not issued an official statement.
