The Delta State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) has raised serious concerns over police brutality, unlawful detention, and the reported operation of illegal police structures in Sapele, Delta State, following protests that erupted in the area last week.
In a press statement issued on Monday, TIB said the protests were triggered by allegations of the unlawful deployment of armed police personnel for private purposes, allegedly linked to a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Governor, Mr. Sunday Okeke Wankego.
It was reported that the growing public outrage prompted the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, to direct all parties involved to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba, for investigation on Monday, December 22, 2025. However, TIB Delta State Chapter disclosed that events surrounding the investigation further deepened concerns about selective law enforcement.
The complainant in the alleged assault case, who had earlier reported the incident, was reportedly directed by the police to return to the Sapele Police Division for clarification. Upon arrival, he was informed that the SSA, who was accused of carrying out the assault with the backing of armed police personnel, was not present.
After waiting for several hours, the complainant was reportedly told that the SSA had already proceeded to the SCID in Asaba and that he must immediately travel to the state capital.
TIB Delta State Chapter stated that upon complying with the directive and arriving at SCID Asaba, the complainant was shockingly detained and locked up by the police, while the alleged principal suspect reportedly failed to present himself for questioning.
The movement described the development as a case of oppression and secondary victimisation, noting that a citizen who complied fully with police instructions was detained, while the individual accused of orchestrating the incident remained unavailable.
The movement expressed concern that policing decisions appeared to be influenced by political power rather than due process, the rule of law, and existing presidential and Inspector-General of Police directives. They described the situation as a troubling example of selective law enforcement.
While acknowledging the commencement of an investigation, the movement stressed that it must be thorough, transparent, impartial, and rooted in the law.
The Delta State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement also revealed that it had received multiple complaints that police officers were unlawfully deployed to serve private and political interests in Sapele, with reports of unauthorised detention and interrogation facilities operating within the metropolis.
TIB stated that, if proven, such actions would constitute serious human rights violations and abuses of police authority. The allegations, the statement added, raise questions about compliance with the presidential directive mandating the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP, political, and private attachments, with such protection services assigned instead to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
TIB further stressed that officers at the Sapele Police Division, including the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Obiorhurhu Johnbull Obukowho, were aware of suspected illegal police activities at properties reportedly linked to the SSA. These allegations include the seizure of property and the discovery of a suspected detention cell.
The movement traced the escalation of tension in Sapele to Thursday, December 19, 2025, when armed security personnel, attached to the SSA intervened in what residents described as a civil dispute. Witnesses reportedly fled the area in panic following the intervention.
TIB stated that the situation worsened when a resident, Comrade Itorho Precious, questioned what he described as the unlawful use of police officers for private purposes and was allegedly assaulted. The incident sparked spontaneous protests, with youths and residents marching to the Sapele Police Division and Area Command, demanding accountability and the withdrawal of police officers from private political attachments.
The movement also reacted to a statement issued by the Delta State Police Command on December 20, 2025, which denied the allegations. According to the police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the Sapele DPO acted on a distress call involving a business dispute between Comrade Itorho Precious and Mr. Sunday Okeke, with investigations ongoing.
While acknowledging the police response, TIB maintained that denials alone would not restore public confidence, insisting that only an independent and transparent investigation, with publicly released findings and sanctions where necessary, would address the concerns raised.
The movement called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure a comprehensive and impartial investigation, guarantee compliance with police deployment directives, immediately release any unlawfully detained complainants, and hold all individuals found culpable accountable under the law.
The statement was signed by Comrade Nelson Ubi, Deputy State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Delta State Chapter, who reaffirmed the movement’s solidarity with the people of Sapele and Nigerians demanding accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights in policing.
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