Prince Amour Udemude, an investigative journalist based in Delta State, has raised an alarm over alleged threats to his life by the chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Jaro Egbo, also known as “High Voltage.”
The journalist had contacted Egbo to inquire about the recent hike in locked-up shops and open market shops, as well as the increased cost of certificates of local government of origin, which has generated protests and agitation among residents and traders.
According to Udemude, Egbo responded with threats, calling him a “blackmailer” and warning him not to publish the story. Egbo allegedly stated that he would “remove all his teeth” and “make sure he leaves Delta State in a terrible condition” if he proceeds with the report.
Narrating his ordeal to fellow journalists on Thursday, Udemude said, “On Thursday, around 5:44pm, I put a call across to the chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Jaro Egbo, to hear from him on his recent hike in locked-up shops, open market shops and certificate of local government of origin which has generated protest and agitation by residents and some traders.
“The council chairman did not even allow me to finish my question, the next thing from him was, you are a blackmailer, don’t try your blackmail on me.
A journalist called and was asking me about this same story, this is blackmail. If you try your blackmail on me I will make sure you don’t live to tell the story. I will remove all your teeth, I will make sure I bring you down. Ask the CPS to the governor who is your boss about me. Ask him who is High Voltage, he will tell you more about me.
“I am going to save your contact now. If you like record me, I am a very dangerous man; go and ask of me. Let me read your report anywhere and I will fish you anywhere and I will make sure you leave Delta State in a terrible condition. Because, I asked the president of the market women and she said she has not spoken to any journalist about the issue. None of you can blackmail me and go free, you won’t live to tell the story. Even, the rent for the locked up shops and open market shops has not expired till next year March.
“Just go ahead and publish and you will see what will happen to you in Delta State. I will make sure I wipe you from this earth. Just try me.”
Udemude has notified the appropriate quarters about the threats and is alerting the public that should anything happen to him or his family, Egbo should be held responsible.
“I am not taking this threat to my life lightly and I am using this opportunity to inform the general public that should anything funny happens to me or any member of my family, the chairman of the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta state, Jaro Egbo AKA High Voltage should be held responsible. I was only doing my professional job by calling to hear from him and he started threatening to kill me and accused me of blackmail.”
The hike in fees and costs has already generated widespread criticism, with residents accusing Egbo of replicating “draconian policies” that inflict pain and hardship on the people.
Udemude’s investigative report aimed to shed light on the issue, but Egbo’s response has raised questions about his willingness to tolerate scrutiny and criticism.
