Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has disclosed that preliminary intelligence gathering into the recent violent attack on Benin-based entertainer Osagie Idieda, popularly known as MC Porkupyne, links the incident to cultism rather than political motives.
Governor Okpebholo made the revelation on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while receiving executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, at the Government House in Benin City.
Addressing allegations circulating online that attributed the assault to state actors or political thugs loyal to his administration, the governor dismissed the claims as unfounded “fake news” propagated by unverified social media commentators.
According to the governor, details surrounding the 1:00 a.m. incident—which occurred while he was on official duty in Kaduna State—contradict narratives accusing the state government. He questioned the consistency of the victim’s account, noting that the comedian reported being attacked by eight masked individuals whose identities he could not verify.
Okpebholo also dismissed separate social media reports alleging he had dismissed his Chief Security Officer (CSO). Clarifying the officer’s absence, the governor explained that the CSO was away attending a professional training program.
Urging the public to rely on verified reporting from accredited media organizations, Governor Okpebholo commended professional journalists for their contributions to democracy, peace, and national unity while cautioning against the spread of sensationalized information.
