The Delta State Police Command has arrested and arraigned three suspects linked to a viral video showing the alleged torture of a resident by a community leader and members of a local vigilante group in Emevor, Isoko North Local Government Area.
Police say the video, which circulated widely on social media, prompted Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi to order the Area Commander of Ozoro Area Command to launch a swift, discreet investigation. The probe gained further momentum after a petition from human rights activists.
According to investigators, the suspects and others still at large seized the victim on July 5 at about 8:15 a.m. and took him to a hotel in Emevor, where he was allegedly humiliated, beaten, injured and threatened with death.
Those arrested and arraigned in court are Lucky Okeremu, 48, Chairman of Emevor Community; Okiemute Oyibo, 46; and Karo Akamakusi, 45. They face 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 — offences under Sections 516, 355, 249(e) and 86 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Vol. I, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006. Police say efforts to arrest the remaining suspects are ongoing.
CP Oyeniyi said the command values the role community leaders and vigilante groups play in supporting security, but stressed that no individual or group has the authority to assault, torture, intimidate or unlawfully punish anyone.
He warned that anyone taking the law into their own hands would be prosecuted, and urged vigilante groups to hand suspects over to police for lawful investigation and prosecution.
