A storm of condemnation has erupted across Edo State following reports of a brutal assault and attempted murder allegedly perpetrated by vigilante operatives against Federal Comrade Okhai Okani, President of the Edo North Unity Forum.
The incident occurred during an annual stakeholders’ meeting in Auchi, designed to promote transparency between elected representatives and the public.
According to eyewitness accounts, over 50 vigilantes, led by one Agbor—recently appointed as Vigilante Commander—forcefully invaded the venue, tortured Comrade Okani, and abducted him to an undisclosed location. Only after significant public outrage surfaced online did the assailants bring him to the local police station, where the situation took a controversial turn.
Instead of providing immediate medical attention, the Auchi Area Commander, ACP Lawrence, detained the critically injured Comrade in a cell for over three hours. Multiple sources report that ACP Lawrence was informed ahead of the meeting but deferred action, allegedly citing “orders from above.”
Legal experts say the incident raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns. Provisions in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria—including the right to life (Section 33), protection from inhuman treatment (Section 34), and the presumption of innocence (Section 36)—were reportedly violated. The Anti-Torture Act of 2017 further criminalises such conduct, even when perpetrated by state-backed groups.
A coalition of activists, under the banner Concerned Edo Citizens, is now demanding:
- Immediate arrest and prosecution of Agbor and all vigilante members involved;
- Redeployment and investigation of ACP Lawrence for gross negligence;
- A probe into the chain of command that initiated the alleged “order from above”;
- Medical and legal support for Comrade Okani;
- A statewide review and retraining of vigilante groups operating under government watch.
“This matter is no longer just about Comrade Okhai Okani,” said activist Marxist Kola Edokpayi. “It’s about the soul of our democracy and the safety of every Nigerian citizen. Jungle justice is criminal. Complicity by law enforcement is disgraceful. Silence is not an option.”
The group urges the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, and the media to monitor the unfolding investigation and ensure accountability is enforced.
As public pressure mounts, eyes now turn to the Nigeria Police Force and Edo State Government to respond transparently—and unequivocally.
