“‘Save Niger Delta Now’: Tinubu Urged to Probe Alleged Secret Prisons Linked to Tompolo”
By Passman Akpos
A human rights advocate, Apostle Perela Osia Daniel Ezekiel, has written an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that former Niger Delta militant leader Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, operates illegal detention facilities in Oporoza, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
In the petition addressed to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ezekiel called for what he described as an urgent federal investigation into allegations of illegal prisons, kidnappings, torture, and other human rights violations allegedly linked to Tompolo and some of his associates.
According to the petitioner, the alleged detention facilities are being used to hold individuals from across the Niger Delta who are perceived to be critics or opponents.
The letter further alleged that several individuals were involved in the purported operations, naming Ekomieyefa Uduboh, Tare Pondi, Super Ebilade, and Bodmas Kemepadei as key figures allegedly responsible for arrests, abductions, and detention activities.
Ezekiel also alleged that some officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to Tantita Security Services Limited were used in carrying out arrests and transporting victims to Oporoza, where he claimed they were subjected to torture and other forms of abuse.
The petition listed several individuals whom the advocate claimed were either still being held or had previously been detained before regaining their freedom. Among those named were Balamene Karowei, Charles Korubo, Abraye Freeborn, Tunde Tamara-Ebikemiyane, Diver Ogbise Daniel, Prince Moses, Rawlings Kakumor, Solomon Ayoro, Peter Zeblon, Samuel Kponah, Managing Gbagidi, Morrison Arigidi, Samson Ovomajiri, Monday, Moses Richard, Moses Obukokwo, Samson Edema, Afejuku Jolomi, and Omamuminogho Molagbemi.
The petitioner also alleged that Patrick Peresuodei died after being tortured, claiming that those responsible were never prosecuted.
In the letter, Ezekiel questioned whether any agreement between the Federal Government and Tantita Security Services authorized the company or its officials to arrest, detain, or transport Nigerian citizens across state boundaries.
He further asked under what constitutional or statutory authority a private citizen could allegedly operate detention facilities and exercise powers reserved for law enforcement agencies.
Appealing directly to President Tinubu, the human rights advocate urged the Federal Government to launch an independent investigation into the allegations, dismantle any illegal detention centres found to exist, prosecute anyone found culpable, and ensure that victims receive justice.
He also expressed his willingness to appear before investigators and provide evidence to support his allegations.
As of the time of filing this report, Tompolo, Tantita Security Services Limited, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Presidency had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition.
Editor’s Note: The allegations contained in the petition are claims made by the petitioner and have not been independently verified by this newspaper. Those accused are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction.
