By Simeon OSAJIE
The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council on Wednesday called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediate arrest Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone), investigate and bring him to justice over assault on Juliet Enabulele Asein, a reporter with the Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) attached to Government House, Benin, the state capital.
In a press statement signed on behalf of the Union by Comrade Festus Alenkhe and Comrade Andy Egbon, Chairman and Secretary respectively stated that Juliet Enabulele Asein, who is attached to Office of the Edo State First Lady was assaulted and manhandled by Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone) at a public function at Government House, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
The leadership of the union considers this act as a blatant attack on press freedom, the safety of journalists, and the right of media professionals to carry out their lawful duties without fear, intimidation, or violence.
The NUJ further warns that attacks on journalists in the line of duty will no longer be tolerated, and urges members of the public, especially public figures, to exercise restraint and show respect for the constitutional role of the media in strengthening democracy and promoting accountability.
The Union calls on the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to immediately arrest Kelly Okungbowa, investigate him and bring him to justice.
Recalled on May 26, 2025, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) arraigned Kelly Okungbowa a.k.a Ebo Stone before Justice C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court, sitting in Benin City on a two-count charge of Naira abuse and mutilation.
Okungbowa is alleged to have on two different occasions while dancing with women in recreational centres in Benin, sprayed a total of N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) and trampled on them in the process.
Also it would be recall that on the 14th of March, 2025, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okjpebholo suspended indefinitely the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), led by Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone), following multiple public complaints of extortion, harassment, and misconduct.
Also the activities of the suspended PSRT led by Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone) was involved in the tragic death of a 2-year-old girl at Ring Road, Benin, after PSRT officers attempted to seize the steering wheel of a moving vehicle, causing the driver to lose control.
This was confirmed in a statement by Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., Secretary to the State Government.