“Niger Delta Becoming a Private Kingdom?” Activist Alleges Tompolo Abuses, ₦50m Attempt to Silence Patrick Peresuodei’s Family

By Passman Akpos

Niger Delta human rights activist, Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela Osia, has called on former President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in what he described as a disturbing pattern of alleged abductions, torture, private detention and intimidation in parts of the Niger Delta.

In an open letter to Jonathan, Osia appealed to the former president to use his influence to help secure the release of citizens allegedly being held in private detention and to draw the attention of President Bola Tinubu to what he described as a growing climate of “regional tyranny.”

Osia described Jonathan as “a father to the Ijaw Nation” and a respected global statesman whose intervention, according to him, could help prevent further alleged abuses in the region.

Activist Accuses Tompolo of Alleged Intimidation

The activist alleged that Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has used his influence and involvement in pipeline surveillance operations to intimidate critics and opponents.

Osia claimed that people who speak against Tompolo in parts of the Niger Delta could be targeted by alleged operatives he identified as Kari, Tare, Super and Bodamas.

He further alleged that some victims are abducted and taken to Oporoza, where they are allegedly subjected to severe physical abuse.

The activist also alleged that Ekomieyefa Uduboh, popularly known as KFT, heads what he described as a “torture chamber” where detainees are allegedly beaten.

Osia said some of his allegations were based on what he claimed to have personally witnessed.

«“As a human rights activist, I never supported the Niger Delta struggle for it to produce a monster who oppresses his own people,” he stated.»

₦50m Allegation Over Patrick Peresuodei’s Death

The activist also made a grave allegation concerning the death of Patrick Peresuodei, a case that has already attracted the attention of the Bayelsa State Police Command.

According to Osia, Peresuodei was allegedly abducted on January 25, 2026, by one of Tompolo’s alleged associates, identified as Bodamas Kemepadei, and taken to a residence in Yenagoa, where he was allegedly beaten.

Osia alleged that Peresuodei subsequently died from the injuries.

He further claimed that after the incident, Bodamas was taken to Oporoza and that Tompolo’s younger brother, identified in the letter as Tare, allegedly offered Peresuodei’s parents ₦50 million to persuade them not to speak publicly about the matter.

The activist claimed the family rejected the alleged offer.

The allegations concerning the alleged ₦50 million payment, the circumstances surrounding Peresuodei’s death and the alleged involvement of the named individuals have not been independently established. Those accused have the right to respond to the allegations.

Police Had Declared Bodmas Kemepadei Wanted

The allegations have drawn renewed attention to an earlier development reported by Tarakirivoice involving the Nigeria Police Force, Bayelsa State Command.

The command previously declared Bodmas Prince Kemepadei, 36, wanted over alleged conspiracy and murder linked to the death of Patrick Peresuodei.

According to the police notice, a warrant of arrest had reportedly been issued by the High Court of Bayelsa State to facilitate Kemepadei’s apprehension.

Police authorities identified his last known address as ICCH Centre, Tenacious Street, Ede-Epie, Yenagoa, and appealed to members of the public with credible information about his whereabouts to contact the authorities.

Earlier accounts surrounding the incident alleged that Peresuodei had been abducted following a dispute on social media and later returned to his family in critical condition.

He was reportedly treated at medical facilities in Yenagoa before being referred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, where he reportedly slipped into a coma and later died.

The police have said investigations into the matter were ongoing.

“Private Prisons” in the Niger Delta?

Osia also alleged that two individuals identified as Charles and Balamene have been held in what he described as private detention since 2024 following their alleged abduction in Bayelsa State.

The activist challenged the Federal Government to clarify whether private detention facilities could legitimately form part of the responsibilities attached to pipeline surveillance contracts.

“Your Excellency, please ask President Bola Tinubu whether the operation of a private prison is part of the security contract the Federal Government signed with Tompolo,” Osia wrote.

Call for Decentralisation of Pipeline Surveillance

Beyond the allegations, Osia called for a restructuring and decentralisation of pipeline surveillance arrangements across the Niger Delta.

He argued that concentrating extensive security responsibilities in the hands of a single entity could create opportunities for alleged abuse and weaken accountability.

The activist also referred to the evolution of pipeline protection arrangements under previous administrations, arguing that decentralisation helped prevent excessive concentration of power.

He expressed relief that President Tinubu had not renewed the arrangement in the manner he alleged had previously been contemplated, while urging the Federal Government to adopt a broader and more decentralised model.

Appeal to Jonathan

Osia ultimately called on Jonathan to intervene by bringing the alleged cases of abduction, torture and detention to the attention of President Tinubu.

According to him, Jonathan’s relationship with the Ijaw people, combined with his experience as a former president, places him in a unique position to demand answers.

«“Tompolo’s actions are causing immense suffering, abduction, and torture among your people,” the activist alleged.»

The allegations contained in the open letter are serious and remain unverified by Tarakirivoice. No finding of criminal liability should be inferred from the allegations, and the individuals named in the accusations are entitled to respond and present their own accounts.

The renewed controversy also comes as security agencies continue efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding Patrick Peresuodei’s death, with police having previously declared Bodmas Prince Kemepadei wanted.

The emerging allegations are therefore likely to intensify calls for an independent investigation into the Peresuodei case and broader questions over accountability, human rights and the structure of pipeline surveillance operations in the Niger Delta.

Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela Osia signed the open letter: “Yours Faithfully.”