A Former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, was last Wednesday quizzed by the State Security Service over alleged threats to security in the state.
Investigations by our correspondent revealed that Odili arrived the SSS headquarters in Abuja at about 11am accompanied by two aides.
The ex-governor had interaction with the Director-General of the agency, Mr. A. A. Gadzama for some hours.
It was learnt that the ex-governor was questioned on his alleged bankrolling of some cult groups,
especially those of the Niger Delta Vigilante leader, Ateke Tom, in the state.
A source said: The invitation of Odili is part of the ongoing appraisal and overhaul of the security situation in Rivers State .
The intelligence report on the state is startling and revealing of the extent of the involvement of some highly-placed people in militant activities in Rivers State .
Since the SSS stumbled on a few information bordering on some allegations against Odili, we decided to interact with him.
The source added that Odili was asked about his relationship with Ateke and the Amayanabo of Koniju, King Captain Nemi Oputibeya Iyal, who has been charged to court for allegedly sponsoring and promoting cultism in Okirika part of the state.
He said: The ex-governor denied sponsoring cult leaders or using any cult group for political purpose.
He repeatedly took time to explain how he tried his best to curtail the activities of the cult groups while in office. After the interaction, we asked the former governor to go.
The source, however, said the SSS is still continuing its investigations.
We have not closed the issue, we will fish out the godfathers of cult groups, he added.
He disclosed that more leaders from the state might still be invited by the SSS, especially with respect to the activities of Ateke and the embattled king.
Ateke had in January vowed to unleash mayhem on Rivers State Government House if he was not compensated for the damages he suffered during the raid of his Okochiri camp by the Joint Military Task Force.
Apart from admitting that his group was used by the Peoples Democratic Party to win elections since 1999, the dreaded cult leader also said he was being owed undisclosed amount by the state government
Although Ateke had been declared wanted by the state government, he is still on the run.
But as the search for the fleeing cult leader continues, the SSS had made substantial progress with the arrest of the Amanyanabo of Koniju, King Captain Nemi Oputibeya Iyala.
Iyala, who is currently on trial for 11- count charges in a Port Harcourt High Court, had also, admitted that Ateke said he was recruited by the PDP with the assistance of a prominent member of the party and former minister.
The king is also standing trial for the alleged murder of five people, kidnap of five Russian oil workers and sponsoring of militants.
It was also learnt that the JTF uncovered a secret tunnel and armoury at the backyard of the monarch house on March 8.
The Assistant Director(Information) of the SSS, Mr. Anthony Okoye, was unable to confirm the interogation as he was away on a course.
Odili could not also be reached to confirm his encounter with the SSS.