Plot to Cover up Ogidigben Alleged Armed Attackers Exposed as Residents Petition COAS, DSS, IGP

…Petition alleges arrested armed suspects now walk freely

An alleged moves by some undisclosed top Itsekiri indigenes to cover up the reported armed attack on oil-rich Ogidigben community in Ugborodo, Warri South-West local government Area of Delta State, have been exposed.

The community was reportedly invaded on December 20, 2025 where one Emiko Onuwaje were reported shot and killed by the alleged invaders.

Dependable sources revealed that since the incident, some Itsekiri natives have been doing everything possible to kill the matter, so that the suspects that were arrested would not be produced to face justice.

Sources alleged that the group of persons are working with some security officials to undermine the 14-day ultimatum giving to the Department of State Security (DSS) to produce the suspects in court.

The source alleged that the those behind the moves had recently engaged top security personnel in Effurun, near Warri with a view to making him write a favourable report, but their request was turned down.

Advertisement

The source claimed that the set of persons have now perfected plans to visit Port Harcourt with intend to hoodwinked the Army Brigade Command to do their bidding by clearing the arrested suspects of the alleged crime.

The development have left the once-thriving Ogidigben community in a state of fear and hopelessness as the suspected elements continue to wreak havoc on residents.

A petition dated June 30, 2026 filed through the legal firm Aihiokhai & Aihiokhai signed by Peter Aihiokhai Eqs., at the behest of Ugborodo Management Committee, draws attention to the worsening security situation, with indigenes alarmed by the release of the alleged suspects by the Army and Department of State Services (DSS).

“Our clients instructed us to bring this matter to your attention to protect lives and property in Ogidigben,” stated P.O. Aihiokhai Esq., in a petition addressed to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) which was copied the National Security Adviser, the Director General State Security Service as well as the Inspector General of Police.

According to the petition, the suspects, many of whom are non-indigenes, were previously arrested in possession of a cache of arms but were later set free.

The petition alleged that the suspects who were caught red handed with arms and ammunitions in Ogidigben community, were never prosecuted by the law enforcement agency, “despite the fact that they were caught with arms and ammunitions during the invasion of a peaceful community”.

Advertisement

The petitioners claimed that one of the suspects, even took to Facebook to boast of his release, claiming, “nothing will happen.”

The petition disclosed that the said suspect was among other suspects (who are mostly non-indigenes) that were “arrested with cache of Arms contained in a hand bag”.

“Recently, our client was taking aback when they saw one of the suspects that was arrested and taken away by the Nigerian Army Effurun Barracks talking and boasting on Facebook in Itsekiri language saying that he has been released and nothing will happen”.

The petitioners alleged that the activities of the suspects and those behind them have left the community paralyzed, with its social and economic life in shambles.

The petition claimed that the criminal group have regrouped, preparing to strike again, confident in their perceived immunity to the law.

The Ugborodo Management Committee, however called on national security authorities, including the National Security Adviser, the Director General of the DSS, and the Inspector General of Police, for intervention.

Advertisement

“We humbly appeal for justice and demand an investigation into why the suspects were released,” the petition reads.

“Your timely intervention will prevent further loss of lives and property”, it added.

A flash drive with video evidence of the suspects’ initial arrest and their cache of weaponry accompanies the petition, providing undeniable proof of their activities, the petitioners said.

“The situation has crippled the community, and these criminals are now seeing themselves as above the law. Immediate action is needed to avert further disaster.”