Professor Itotenaan Henry Ogiri has strongly denied allegations linking him to the reported disappearance of Dr George Nwaeke, the recently resigned Head of Service of the Rivers State Government.
In a statement issued this morning, Ogiri dismissed claims made in a viral social media video, in which Nwaeke’s wife alleged that her husband was missing and possibly held hostage. The woman further accused Ogiri of calling Nwaeke from Abuja, inviting him for a meeting, and even offering to cover his travel expenses.
Describing the allegations as “poorly rehearsed theatrics,” Ogiri emphasized that while he and Nwaeke are professional colleagues and friends, they have spoken only once since Ogiri left the Rivers State cabinet in November 2023. He stated that he has been in Port Harcourt since February 28, 2025, the day the Supreme Court ruled on the Rivers State matter, and has not traveled out of the state since.
Ogiri also noted that he has not communicated with Nwaeke since the Supreme Court ruling and challenged telecommunications providers and airlines to verify his claims with call logs and travel records.
Calling for calm, Ogiri assured the public that the truth would soon emerge. “While we await how this drama unfolds, I urge my relatives, friends, and the general public to remain assured that the truth shall be unveiled in no time,” he stated.
