Fresh developments have emerged following the alleged attack on political activist, community organiser and grassroots mobiliser, Dobiza Dobiza, in Gwagwalada, Abuja, with a man identified as Kobo responding to earlier allegations published by Chronicles Reporters.
Chronicles Reporters had reported that Dobiza was allegedly attacked by a group of armed men at Skengy Plaza, around Area Council Road, opposite Season 7 Restaurant, at about 8:05 p.m. on Monday, during a gathering to celebrate the birthday of Jibrin Wumi.
According to the earlier accounts received by the publication, about seven men allegedly approached the area, with some reportedly armed with cutlasses and knives. Dobiza was allegedly attacked and his mobile phone reportedly taken during the incident.
The earlier report also contained allegations linking Kobo to the incident and claims suggesting that Hon. Danladi Chiya, former Chairman of Kwali Area Council and APC candidate for the Abuja South Federal Constituency, may have been connected to the alleged attack.
However, in a response to Chronicles Reporters on Thursday morning, Kobo categorically denied the allegations against Chiya, describing them as “false and misleading.”
Kobo said he was the person who originally introduced Dobiza to Chiya and maintained that, since then, Dobiza had received what he described as generous support and goodwill from the former Kwali chairman.
According to Kobo, the allegations against Chiya were part of an attempt by Dobiza to damage Chiya’s reputation following a disagreement surrounding a youth leadership position.
Kobo alleged that Dobiza had been asked to step down as youth leader in a youth network election because the existing youth leadership structure was already represented in Gwagwalada, and that having another leader from the same area was considered inappropriate.
He further claimed that Dobiza was informed that whatever expenses he had incurred would be refunded.
Kobo alleged that Dobiza became angry over the decision and subsequently made several statements against him and Chiya. He also claimed that Dobiza accused him of disliking him, while Kobo maintained that he had only advised Chiya to ask Dobiza to step down from the position.
Kobo: “I Was Not Aware Of The Attack”
On the alleged attack itself, Kobo told Chronicles Reporters that he had no prior knowledge of the incident and was not present at Skengy Plaza when it occurred.
According to him, he was at Kaygold when a man identified as Skengy called and asked where he was.
Kobo said he informed Skengy that he was at Kaygold, after which Skengy allegedly came to meet him and narrated what had happened at Skengy Plaza.
Kobo said he initially believed the account might not be true until the incident was subsequently confirmed.
He further suggested that the alleged attack could have resulted from Dobiza’s previous online confrontations with other individuals.
“I am not aware of the attack,” Kobo was quoted as saying in his response to the publication, adding that Dobiza had allegedly insulted several people online and that one of those individuals could have become angry with him.
Dispute Over Dobiza’s Phone
A further claim surrounding the incident concerns the mobile phones allegedly taken from the table where Dobiza and others were seated.
A source told Chronicles Reporters that all the phones allegedly collected from the table were returned the following day, except Dobiza’s phone, which the source claimed had previously been purchased for him by Chiya.
Kobo, however, dismissed any suggestion that Chiya would have ordered anyone to take back the phone because of a disagreement.
He argued that Chiya had previously purchased cars for individuals who, according to him, had betrayed the former chairman or done things considered far worse, yet Chiya never demanded that such gifts be returned.
Kobo therefore rejected the suggestion that the alleged disappearance of Dobiza’s phone could be connected to Chiya.
Alleged Attack On Wakiss Also Under Investigation
Chronicles Reporters had also received separate information concerning an alleged attack on a man identified as Wakiss by about four armed men, with Kobo reportedly among those whose names were mentioned in connection with the incident.
The circumstances surrounding that allegation, including its exact location, motive and whether it has any connection to the incident involving Dobiza, remain unclear.
Chronicles Reporters has not independently established that Kobo, Chiya or any other individual named in the allegations ordered, sponsored, authorised or participated in either alleged attack.
The conflicting accounts have further heightened the need for a proper investigation into the incident.
Chronicles Reporters calls on the relevant security authorities to identify those involved in the alleged attack, establish the motive, determine whether the reported theft occurred and recover any stolen property.
The publication also urges anyone with credible photographs, videos, eyewitness accounts or other evidence concerning the incident to make such material available to investigators.