DSS Detains Niger Delta Activist Owous in Solitary as Health Concerns Mount
By Paul Ebi
The Department of State Services (DSS) has continued the detention of Niger Delta activist and leader of the Reformed Niger-Delta Ex-Agitators Forum, Owoupele Eneonekuoh, popularly known as Owous, at its headquarters—popularly referred to as the “Yellow House”—in Abuja.
Sources allege that Owous is being held in solitary confinement without access to his family, legal counsel, or essential medication, sparking growing concerns over his deteriorating health condition amid the prolonged detention.
His lawyer, Dr. S. M. Oyeghe, Esq., has strongly condemned the detention, insisting there is no legal basis for his client’s arrest. According to Oyeghe, Owous’ actions—centered on criticising government policies and demanding accountability—do not constitute a criminal offence.
The lawyer further revealed that the matter is already before the court, making it subjudice. Owous is currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja in a case filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/326/2025: IGP v. Owoupele Owous, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite. The charges reportedly border on criminal defamation and cyberbullying, instituted at the instance of Dr. Dennis Otuaro
In addition, Otuaro has filed a separate civil defamation suit—CV/3351/2025: Chief Dennis Otuaro v. Owoupele Owous—pending before Justice H. L. Gummi of the FCT High Court
“These matters all border on defamation. One would have expected that Otuaro would await the outcome of the court cases instead of engaging the DSS to further harass and detain Owous,” Oyeghe stated.
Reports indicate that Owous was arrested on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at about 7:30 a.m. at the Itakpe Train Station in Kogi State. Attempts by associates to reach him following the arrest proved unsuccessful, as his phone lines later became unreachable.
He was subsequently transported to Abuja and initially held at the Karu Police Division for what authorities described as “safe keeping.” However, family members and associates who visited the station were informed that he was not a suspect under the police command.
Sources disclosed that on Tuesday, March 10, DSS operatives returned to the station and took custody of the activist. Since then, access to him has reportedly been denied, intensifying fears about his wellbeing.
Owous had recently been vocal in advocating for an increase in stipends for ex-agitators in the Niger Delta and called for greater transparency and accountability in the management of the programme.
The development has raised fresh concerns among civil society groups over alleged misuse of state security agencies in matters already before the courts, particularly under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
As of press time, the DSS has not issued an official statement regarding the detention.
