An Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) journalist, Juliet Enabulele, was on wednesday allegedly slapped by Kelly Okungbowa, aka Ebo Stone, at the Festival Hall of the Edo State Government House during an official event.
Dockaysworld gathered that Enabulele and other members of the press were at the venue to cover an empowerment programme organised by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for persons living with disabilities.
The incident occurred shortly after the governor’s entourage entered the hall, prompting some rowdiness among beneficiaries who attempted to raise concerns.
According to eye witness reports, an EBS cameraman observing the situation was confronted by Okungbowa, who accused him of recording the unrest.
Witnesses said the cameraman denied filming but was nevertheless manhandled.
Enabulele, who leads the EBS press team, stepped in to defend her colleague. The confrontation escalated, and Okungbowa allegedly slapped her in the process.
The Chief Press Secretary later intervened, though Okungbowa reportedly denied assaulting the journalist.
Okungbowa, a known associate within the Okpebholo political circle, was suspended months ago by the Edo State Government from his role as Coordinator of the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT).
Recall that on March 17, 2025, he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged naira abuse after a viral video showed him spraying and mutilating the currency at a bar earlier that month.
Following the incident, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, issued a public statement condemning the attack and calling for Okungbowa’s arrest.
The Managing Director of EBS, Sulaiman Aledeh, who appeared on a program vowed to purse the matter to a definite conclusion.
Members of the Government House press crew described growing concern about what they view as recurring intimidation of journalists and urged authorities to ensure a transparent investigation.
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Government has not released an official statement regarding the alleged assault.
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