By Austin Ogwuda
Human Rights Freedom Global Network has petitioned the Assistant Inspector General Of Police AIG Zone 5, Benin City demanding for a compensation of N500 million as general and special damages for the physical, psychological and reputational injuries suffered by Comrade Elvis Ekrakpoariemu.
The group is also demanding the immediate suspension of all Police officers allegedly implicated by Elvis Ekrakpoariemu, currently remanded in prison custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
Titled ‘Petition On The Arrest, Alleged Torture, And Remand Of Comrade Elvis Ekrakpoariemu By Officers Of Ughelli Area Command, Delta State Police Command’ and jointly signed by its President, Comrade Alexander Ojumah Egwali, Legal Director, Barr. Collins Edu Abiodun and the National Coordinator-General, Comrade Destiny Ogbemudia, the petition reads:
“We at the Human Rights Freedom Global Network, strongly condemn in its entirety the unlawful arrest, alleged torture and subsequent remand of Comrade Elvis Ekrakpoariemu, a well-known Delta-based Human Rights Defender whose work focuses on exposing police extortion and corruption.
“Comrade Ekrakpoariemu was arrested by officers attached to the Ughelli Area Command of the Delta State Police Command, subjected to inhumane treatment while in custody and later remanded at the Warri Correctional Centre on 26th August 2025 under questionable circumstances. It is alleged that while in police custody, he was blindfolded for days and held incommunicado, brutally beaten and assaulted by officers, exposed to chemical substances which left him with serious injuries to his left eye.
“Deprived of his mobile phones and personal belongings, which remain unlawfully withheld. These cruel and degrading acts represent gross violations of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999 as amended), the Anti-Torture Act 2017, as well as Nigeria’s binding obligations under international human rights treaties. Beyond the individual harm caused to Comrade Ekrakpoariemu, these abuses further erode public trust in the Nigeria Police Force and highlight systemic failures in accountability.
“Our stand and demands, after an emergency consultative session of the executives and members, we call for the following urgent actions: An independent and transparent investigation into the conduct of officers of Ughelli Area Command involved in this case. The immediate suspension of all implicated officers pending the conclusion of investigations. Urgent and adequate medical care for Comrade Ekrakpoariemu, including a comprehensive medico-legal examination. The immediate release of his unlawfully seized personal belongings, including his mobile phones.
*The IGPÂ
“The guarantee of his fundamental rights and protection from further victimization as a human rights defender. Demand for compensation of five hundred million naira (₦500,000,000.00) as general and special damages for the physical, psychological, and reputational injuries he has suffered. We view the persecution of human rights defenders as an assault on democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. Silencing those who expose corruption and abuse of office not only undermines justice but also emboldens impunity within the security forces.
“We therefore demand immediate remedial action from the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5 Headquarters, Benin City, and all relevant authorities copied in our petition, including the Inspector General of Police, the Police Complaint Response Unit, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Delta State.
“We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending the rights of citizens against oppression, intimidation, and abuse of power, and we call on the Nigerian public, civil society, and the international community to stand in solidarity with Comrade Elvis Ekrakpoariemu until justice is served”, the group stated.
