By SUNTV Global News Desk
January 1, 2026
A fresh wave of political tension has rocked Edo State following allegations that suspected hoodlums linked to a loyalist of Governor Monday Okpebholo set ablaze the residence of a UK-based media critic on New Year’s Eve.
SUNTV Global reports that the property belongs to Albert Obazee, a vocal Edo-born commentator based in the United Kingdom, known for his persistent criticism of the Okpebholo administration. The house, located in Amagba, Benin City, was reportedly attacked late Wednesday night by a group of armed youths.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers — numbering about 30 — arrived at the compound wielding dangerous weapons and bottles filled with what appeared to be petrol and kerosene. They allegedly smashed windows, forcefully gained entry, destroyed household items, and doused the building with accelerants before setting it on fire.
An occupant of the house, who spoke to SUNTV Global on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals, described a coordinated and deliberate attack.
“They broke the windows, entered the house, destroyed everything inside and poured fuel all over the place before lighting it,” the source said.
Disturbing video footage obtained by reporters shows the building engulfed in flames, with burnt rooms, a destroyed kitchen, and living areas reduced to rubble. A plastic bag containing petrol-filled bottles was also visible among the debris, raising serious concerns about premeditation.
Obazee’s residence was reportedly targeted just days after Governor Okpebholo was captured in a widely circulated video interview allegedly threatening the critic. In the footage, the governor was heard saying Obazee would be sent to prison and barred from returning to Nigeria, while admitting to closely monitoring his social media activities.
“Obazee will definitely go to prison. I said he will not touch the soil of Nigeria,” the governor reportedly said.
“I wake up every night, from 3am, watching social media — even Obazee.”
The comments have since sparked outrage among civil society groups and political observers, who argue that such statements may have fueled intimidation and violence.
Sources allege that the attack was carried out by thugs loyal to Tony Kabaka, the Edo APC Youth Leader and a known ally of the governor. Witnesses claimed Kabaka personally led the group to the residence, though this allegation has not yet been independently confirmed.
One eyewitness occupying a flat within the compound confirmed the incident off-camera.
“I saw about 30 boys moving toward the gate with different weapons. Everyone was terrified,” the witness said.
The incident reportedly followed Obazee’s social media post alleging that Kabaka had been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged mutilation of NERRA nodes. Kabaka later acknowledged being invited and questioned by the EFCC, which Obazee described as confirmation of his earlier report.
Less than 24 hours after the post, Obazee raised alarm again, claiming that his multimillion-naira property had been destroyed in retaliation.
Reacting to the attack, Obazee expressed deep fear for his safety and that of his family and associates.
“Tony Kabaka has terrified me, my family, and the occupants of my house,” he said.
“Right now, everyone connected to me is scared. I am calling on the Edo State government and relevant security agencies to urgently investigate this matter.”
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Edo State Government nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official statement, and no arrests have been announced in connection with the arson.
SUNTV Global will continue to monitor developments surrounding this incident as concerns grow over political intolerance, freedom of expression, and the safety of critics in Nigeria’s democratic space.
