Human Rights Violation: Niger Delta Youths drag Tompolo, Tantita, others to court over alleged illegal arrests, detention

Nine aggrieved youths from the Niger Delta States have dragged the former militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo also known as Tompolo to the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal arrest and detention In Delta State.

Also listed as respondents are Mr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Mr. Mathew Tonlagha, Mr. Godfrey Pondi, Mr. Keston Pondi, Mr. Simeon Bebenimibo, Mr. Joshua Maciver, Mr. Komieyefa Uduboh, Mr. Ebipade and Mr. Mele kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

The respondent’s also include , are the security surveillance company known as Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited,the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and others.

The Nine plaintiffs in the suit led by one Peter Zebulon, alleged that at various times, they were illegally arrested and detained by operatives of the Tantita security company in violation of their rights to life as provided in section 33 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In the 17 declarations and order sought from the Court, they prayed the court to declare their arrest and prolonged detention as a violation of their fundamental Rights to life as guaranteed in section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They claimed in the statement of claims before the Court of an alleged operation of an illegal detention cells with innocent persons allegedly arrested and detained and forced into labour.

The plaintiff however sought an order of the Court mandating 1st to 11th respondents particularly the 1st and 2nd respondent to release forthwith and immediately all persons who are currently incarcerated in their illegal detention cells in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta state that is been operated under the instructions of the 1st and 2nd correspondents.”

“An order to release forthwith and immediately, one Charles Korubo who is currently being held precisely at Oporoza.”

“Also an order that one Chief Priest Karowei Bala who is also being held at Oporoza be released.”

The plaintiff also sought an order of induction restraining the 1st to 11th respondents particularly the first and 2nd respondents whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants or however called from arresting, detaining or otherwise interfering with the applicants/plaintiff’s right to life, dignity of human person, personal liberty and freedom of movement.

“Also an order of injunction restraining the 12th and 13th respondents from releasing funds to the 1st and 2nd respondents under any purported Tantita projects or any other guise.”

The plaintiffs are also seeking an award of N500 billion naira in damages.