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“The suspects have since been arraigned before a competent court on charges of conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, and threatening the life of the victim, contrary to Sections 516, 355, 249(e), and 86 respectively of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Vol. I, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006,” Edafe said.
By Edeki Igafe
Police operatives have arrested two vigilante operatives and another suspect over viral video showing a man being tortured in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The suspects have also been arraigned in court, Bright Edafe, spokesperson for Delta Police Command said in a statement.
According to the statement, Delta Commissioner of police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, ordered investigations into the incident after the widely circulated video captured his attention.
Oyeniyi had specifically directed the Area Commander of Ozoro Police Area Command, to conduct a swift and discreet investigation into the viral video.
Edafe said the investigation, which was further reinforced by a petition from concerned human rights activists, indicated that on 5 July 2026 the suspects who are members of a local vigilante group in Emevor Community acting in concert with others now at large unlawfully apprehended the victim and took him to a hotel in Emevor Community.
He added that the victim was subjected to severe humiliation, physically assaulted, inflicted with bodily injuries, and allegedly threatened with death at the hotel.
“Upon the conclusion of investigations, the police arrested Lucky Okeremu (48), Chairman of Emevor Community, Okiemute Oyibo (46), and Karo Akamakusi (45).
“The suspects have since been arraigned before a competent court on charges of conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, and threatening the life of the victim, contrary to Sections 516, 355, 249(e), and 86 respectively of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Vol. I, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006,” Edafe said.
The Delta police spokesperson quoted Oyeniyi as reiterating that while the command recognises the role of community leaders and vigilante groups in supporting security efforts, no individual or group has the authority to assault, torture, intimidate, or subject any person to unlawful punishment.
He warned that anyone who takes the law into their own hands will be prosecuted and urged vigilante groups to always hand over suspects to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
