Hoodlums Working For Edo Governor Okpebholo's Loyalist, Kabaka Burn Home Of UK-based Critic On New Year’s Eve
January 1, 2026
Some hoodlums, allegedly linked to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo's loyalist, Tony Kabaka, have been accused of burning down the home of Albert Obazee, a UK-based media critic originally from Edo State, on the eve of the New Year.
Eyewitnesses say the assault occurred late Wednesday in Obazee’s neighbourhood, where a group of young men wielding bottles filled with what appeared to be petrol and kerosene forced entry into the property.
They reportedly smashed windows, wrecked furniture and household items, and ultimately poured accelerants before setting the building ablaze.
An occupant, who spoke anonymously with SaharaReporters, described how the mob destroyed the window, broke in, trashed possessions and then drenched the building before lighting it on fire.
A disturbing video obtained by SaharaReporters showed almost the entire house engulfed in flames, with a plastic bag containing petrol bottles visible among the wreckage - stark evidence of premeditation.
The footage also captured rooms, the kitchen, and living spaces extensively damaged by the blaze, leaving the once-secure residence uninhabitable.
Obazee, a vocal critic of the Okpebholo administration known for his commentary on Edo politics and governance, had his house targeted just days after the governor, in an earlier interview, was seen making threats perceived by many as directed at him.
As of now, no official statement has been released by the Edo State government or the Nigeria Police Force regarding arrests or charges related to the arson.
SaharaReporters previously reported that governor Okpebholo has publicly threatened Obazee, vowing to send him to prison and warning that he would not be allowed to freely step on Nigerian soil.
In a video interview obtained by SaharaReporters, the governor was heard issuing the threat while admitting that he closely monitors Obazee’s social media activities, including posts critical of his administration.
“Obazee will definitely go to prison. I said he will not touch the soil of Nigeria,” Okpebholo said.
“I wake up every night, I stay awake from 3am, watching all the social media, even Obazee, watching him abuse me. I learnt something from him. There is nothing I don’t see.”
The governor’s comments have created a tense and violent atmosphere, amid allegations that thugs loyal to him, led by Edo APC Youth Leader Tony Kabaka, vandalised Obazee’s residence in Amagba, Benin City.
In another video sighted by SaharaReporters, the scene at the residence of Obazee showed extensive destruction, with both the exterior and interior of the building reportedly damaged.
An eyewitness who occupies one of the flats in the compound confirmed the incident off-camera, citing fear of intimidation.
“I saw up to about 30 boys walking towards the gate with all sorts of weapons,” the eyewitness said.
The incident reportedly followed Obazee’s social media post alleging that Tony Kabaka had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged mutilation of NERRA nodes.
Kabaka later confirmed that he had indeed been invited and interrogated by the EFCC, a development Obazee said validated his report.
About 24 hours after the post, Obazee raised the alarm again, alleging that his house —worth millions of naira — had been destroyed by thugs led by Kabaka.
Speaking on the incident, Obazee said the attack has left him and those connected to him living in fear.
“The occupant of my house saw him. He came to destroy my house,” Obazee said. “Tony Kabaka has terrified me, my family, and the occupants of my house.
“Right now, everyone affiliated with me is scared. I want the relevant authorities and the Edo State government to look into this matter.”
https://saharareporters.com/2026/01/01/hoodlums-working-edo-governor-okpebholos-loyalist-kabaka-burn-home-uk-based-critic-new
Photo 1) Tony Kabaka
Photo 2) Albert Obazee
Comments
Post a Comment