Petition to President Tinubu names alleged victims and operatives, calls for urgent federal probe into claims of abductions and unlawful detentions

Fresh controversy has erupted in the Niger Delta following an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alleging that former militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is linked to a network of illegal detention facilities in Delta State.

The petition, authored by Apostle Perela Osia Daniel Ezekiel, a self-described human rights advocate, claims that four unauthorised detention centres are operating in Oporoza, the headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area.

The claims remain unverified, and no official response has been issued by Tompolo or Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited as of the time of filing this report.

Operatives named in the petition

The letter names several individuals alleged to be part of the operations. They include:

Ekomieyefa Uduboh, described as a key operator

Tare Pondi, identified as a relative and associate

Super Ebilade, alleged to head an armed squad

Bodamas (also referred to as Bodmas) Kemepadei, accused of coordinating cross-state activities

The petition alleges that these individuals are involved in enforcement operations across communities in the Niger Delta, though these claims have not been independently verified.

Alleged victims and detention cases

Several individuals said to have been affected by the alleged activities, including those reportedly still in detention, previously detained, or impacted in other ways:

Balamene Karowei

Charles Korubo

Patrick Peresuodei (deceased)

Abraye Freeborn

Tunde Tamara-Ebikemiyane

Diver Ogbise Daniel

Prince Moses

Rawlings Kakumor

Additional names mentioned in the petition include:

Solomon Ayoro

Peter Zeblon

Samuel Kponah

Managing Gbagidi

Morrison Arigidi

Samson Ovomajiri

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Moses Richard

Moses Obukokwo

Samson Edema

Afejuku Jolomi

Omamuminogho Molagbemi

The letter claims these individuals were subjected to unlawful detention or related actions. However, these allegations have not been confirmed by authorities.

The petition raises concerns about the legality of any private arrangement that permits detention of citizens, questioning whether such actions are backed by Nigerian law or any federal security contract.

It also alleges involvement of some security personnel attached to private surveillance operations in the region—an assertion that remains unverified.

Legal analysts note that if proven, such acts would violate constitutional provisions on personal liberty, as well as regional and international human rights obligations.

Call for investigation

The author urged President Tinubu to order an immediate investigation, dismantle any illegal detention structures, and ensure accountability where necessary.

He also expressed readiness to provide further evidence to relevant authorities.

Awaiting responses

As of press time, there has been no official reaction from the Federal Government, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), or Tantita Security Services.

Attempts to reach representatives of Tompolo were unsuccessful.

The allegations have further intensified scrutiny of private security operations in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, particularly regarding oversight and the limits of their authority.