Tompolo Controversy Deepens as Associate’s petition precedes Daniel Ezekiel Arrest
by Passman Akpos
ABUJA — The arrest of Niger Delta activist and human-rights campaigner Apostle Perela Ezekiel Osia, popularly known as Daniel Ezekiel, has opened a fresh chapter in a widening controversy involving Chief Ekomieyefa Uduboh, popularly known as KFT, and allegations previously raised by Daniel concerning individuals associated with Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.
Daniel was reportedly arrested in Abuja on Friday, September 18, 2026, over allegations bordering on cyberstalking and dissemination of false information concerning KFT
The development has generated public interest because a formal petition by lawyers representing KFT had reportedly been submitted to the Nigeria Police Force on September 3, 2026, naming Daniel among those accused of allegedly publishing defamatory material against their client.
PETITION CAME BEFORE THE ARREST
According to the petition attributed to Ebilade Obiri & Associates, solicitors to KFT, the complaint was addressed to the Inspector-General of Police and the Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.
The lawyers alleged that Daniel and Yemi Otuedon, also known as Otuedon Warri, published materials on Facebook around August 24 which allegedly described their client with terms including “thief, killer, kidnapper, abductor” and “violator of human rights.”
The petition reportedly described the publications as false and malicious and stated that screenshots were attached as evidence.
KFT’s lawyers asked the police to investigate the allegations and stated that their client was seeking legal redress rather than resorting to self-help.
The chronology has therefore become a major point of public interest:
PETITION ON SEPTEMBER 3 → INVESTIGATION → REPORTED ARREST ON SEPTEMBER 18.
The sequence, by itself, does not establish that the petition caused the arrest. Only an official police account can conclusively establish the legal basis and chain of events leading to Daniel’s detention.
DANIEL’S ARREST RAISES FRESH QUESTIONS
Daniel reportedly said that men arrived at his residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Friday and took him away.
According to information surrounding the incident, one of the officers was identified as Jerry, while several others accompanied him.
He was reportedly taken to Agwa Cement Police Station, with personnel from Force Headquarters expected to take over the matter.
The circumstances have consequently prompted questions about whether the September 3 petition was the direct trigger for the arrest.
WHY TOMPOLO’S NAME IS BEING MENTIONED
The controversy does not exist in isolation.
Daniel has recently made public allegations concerning Tompolo, Tantita Security Services and several individuals whom he has described as being connected to Tompolo’s wider circle.
Daniel has also publicly made allegations involving individuals including KFT and Tare Pondi.
Those allegations remain allegations and should not be treated as established criminal findings without independent evidence or judicial determination.
The arrest has nevertheless generated questions because of the identities of the people involved and the history of the public dispute.
But an association is not proof of a coordinated operation.
There is presently no verified evidence establishing that Tompolo ordered, authorised or participated in Daniel’s arrest.
Likewise, the existence of KFT’s petition does not establish that it was filed at Tompolo’s direction.
Those are questions requiring evidence, not assumptions.
THE “WE WON” MESSAGE
The controversy has also drawn attention to a social-media message attributed to Tare Pondi, identified as General Manager, Operations & Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
The message reportedly read:
“To all Tantita field workers, U guys are the MVP We won.”
Because the message appeared around the same period Daniel reported his arrest, some observers have attempted to connect the two developments.
However, there is no verified evidence establishing that Pondi’s message referred to Daniel’s arrest, KFT’s petition or the police investigation.
Without clarification from Pondi or Tantita, any stronger conclusion would remain speculation.
THE POLICE NOW HAVE QUESTIONS TO ANSWER
The incident has placed renewed public attention on the Nigeria Police Force.
Among the questions requiring clarification are:
Was Daniel arrested pursuant to the September 3 petition?, Which police unit investigated the complaint?, Who authorised the arrest?, What exact offences are being investigated?, Was Daniel invited before his arrest?, Was a warrant issued, if legally required?, Why was he taken to Agwa Cement Police Station?, What role did Force Headquarters play?, What evidence accompanied the original petition?, Has the police independently verified the allegations?, Is there any connection between the investigation and allegations involving Tompolo or Tantita?
KFT’S PETITION DOES NOT ESTABLISH GUILT
Importantly, a police petition is a complaint requesting investigation. It is not a court judgment.
The allegations against Daniel and Otuedon therefore remain allegations unless established through due process.
Daniel and Otuedon are entitled to respond to the accusations, while KFT is entitled to pursue lawful remedies if he believes his reputation has been unlawfully attacked.
FROM SOCIAL-MEDIA WAR TO POLICE INVESTIGATION
What began as a bitter public dispute has now moved into the territory of formal law-enforcement investigation.
Daniel has been one of the outspoken voices making allegations involving Tompolo and people he associates with, while KFT’s lawyers subsequently submitted a petition in which Daniel was specifically named.
That chronology is enough to generate legitimate public questions, but it is not enough to establish a conspiracy.
The responsibility now rests with the police to provide facts.
If the arrest resulted from a lawful investigation of KFT’s complaint, the authorities should explain the basis of the action.
If other circumstances are involved, the public deserves an accurate account.
Until the Nigeria Police Force provides an official explanation, the central question remains unanswered
WHAT EXACTLY TRIGGERED DANIEL EZEKIEL’S ARREST ON SEPTEMBER 18 — AND WHAT ROLE, IF ANY, DID THE SEPTEMBER 3 KFT PETITION PLAY?
Tarakirivoice will continue to seek an official response from the Nigeria Police Force and Force Headquarters and will publish verified developments as they emerge.
