By Austin Ogwuda
… another Activist arraigned for allegedly assaulting Electricity Distribution Company officials
In what looks like running battle between the Delta State Police command and fiery Activists operating in the State, two of such never-say-die Activists have been arrested and are currently facing criminal charges preferred against them.
Delta State-based Human Rights Activist/ Founder of Foundation for Justice of the Underprivileged (FJU), Comrade Elvis Ekrakpoariemu is currently remanded at Warri Correctional Centre (Prison).
Reports reaching The Townhall stated that Comrade Elvis Ekrakpoariemu is facing a three-count.
The Charge Sheet marked MU 236…C/2025 reads:
*Count 1: That your Elvis Ekrakpoariemu Ogbevire ‘m’ on the 17th day of August, 2025, or thereabout Ughelli magisterial district, did conspire among yourselves to commit a misdemeanor to wit: defamation and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 516 of the criminal code CAP C21 VOL. 1 laws of Delta State Nigeria 2006.
*Count 11: That your Elvis Ekrakpoariemu Ogbevire ‘m’ on the 17th day of August, 2025, or thereabout Ughelli in Ughelli magisterial district, did published defamatory and malicious lies on your WhatsApp status and your foundation for justice of the under privileged platform against inspector Kuregbe Eunice, a serving police officer at Ughelli Area command, that she collected the sun of nine million naira (N9,000,000.00) from one Christopher Udoma and Kelvin Owetu and thereby committed an offense punishable under section 373 of the criminal code CAP C21 VOL. 1 laws of Delta State Nigeria 2006.
*Count 111: That your Elvis Ekrakpoariemu Ogbevire ‘m’ on the 17th day of August, 2025, or thereabout Ughelli in Ughelli magisterial district, did published defamatory and malicious lies on your WhatsApp status and your foundation for justice of the under privileged platform against ACP Aliyu Shaba, Area Commander, Ughelli that she collected the sun of nine million naira (N9,000,000.00) from one Christopher Udoma and Kelvin Owetu and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 373 of the criminal code CAP C21 VOL. 1 laws of Delta State Nigeria 2006.
Meanwhile, Comrade Elvis Ekrakpoariemu in a petition to the Inspector General Of Police (IGP) titled, ‘Re: Humiliation, Oppression And Illegal Detention by Officers of Delta State Command’ obtained by SaharaReporters stated:
*The IGP
“With utmost respect, I write to you as a citizen, human rights advocate and leader of the Foundation for Justice for the Underprivileged (FJU), to seek your urgent intervention in a grave matter of police abuse, unlawful detention and humiliation I have personally suffered in the course of standing for the oppressed.
“I have been at the forefront of exposing acts of extortion, unlawful arrests, and human rights violations by certain officers of the Delta State police command. Through videos and testimonies of victims, I have publicly highlighted cases where: ₦300,000 was extorted from my in-law by some policemen. I retrieved and exposed this act. Two boys were detained for six days without court order, with a demand of ₦1 million each for bail, until my intervention forced their release.
“Another case where two boys accused of assault were compelled to pay ₦700,000 for a broken phone, after which police still demanded ₦1 million for bail. I exposed this as well. Following my outcry, I became a direct target. I was kidnapped by armed officers, blindfolded, and taken to an undisclosed location where I was humiliated. Instead of addressing the corruption I exposed, I was hurriedly taken before Magistrate court 1, Ughelli.
“When the charges were withdrawn and I was discharged, I was immediately re-arrested on the same matter and taken to High Court, where I am currently remanded at the Warri correctional centre. Sir, these are not just offences against my person but an attempt to silence every Nigerian who dares to speak against police oppression. The actions of these officers undermine the police reform efforts and a dent on the public image of the Nigeria Police Force under your distinguished leadership.
“I respectfully call on your esteemed office to order an independent investigation into the actions of the officers involved in these cases. Direct the Delta State command and Zone 5 Headquarters to desist from further harassment and intimidation of my person and members of FJU. Ensure that I am granted immediate justice and protection under the law. Hold accountable every officer who abused their office by engaging in extortion, unlawful detention, and humiliation.
“Sir, my only ‘offence’ has been to defend the oppressed and uphold the rule of law. Today, I look up to your fatherly leadership and integrity to restore my dignity, protect my rights, and reaffirm the hope of ordinary Nigerians that the police truly remain the friend of the people”, the petition stated.
Similarly, The Young Nigerian Rights Organization and its lead Activist, Comrade Victor Ojei, popularly known as Wong Box Nigeria had since threatened to sue the Delta State Police Command and its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for alleged defamation and misconduct.
*Comrade Victor Ojei
It would be recalled that on August 29, 2025, the Delta State Police Command issued a statement, in which the police declared Ojei wanted for allegedly jumping bail.
In that release, the police alleged that Ojei attacked officials of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) with a cutlass after they disconnected his residence in Asaba over an outstanding electricity bill of about ₦4.8 million.
But refuting the statement, Ojei described it as “deliberate fabrication intended to damage my reputation”.
He explained that on the day the alleged manhunt was announced, he was physically present at the State Intelligence Department with the assistant commissioner of police and SP Edafe, awaiting to meet the deputy commissioner of police.
“This was not only false, but a calculated attempt to damage my reputation, integrity, and standing in society”, according to Ojei.
*Comrade Elvis Ekrakpoariemu
