…claims that those arrested were allegedly found in possession of AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other weapons but were later released without being prosecuted
By Sam Ovie
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Published on July 23, 2026
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4 min read
Fresh allegations have emerged over the December 2025 attack on Ogidigben community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State, with the Ugborodo Management Committee petitioning the Chief of Army Staff over what it described as an alleged conspiracy to shield suspects arrested after the deadly invasion.
The petition, dated June 29, 2026, and signed by P.O. Aihiokhai Esq. of Aihiokhai & Aihiokhai on behalf of the committee, accused officials of the Nigerian Army at Effurun Barracks and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Asaba of releasing suspects allegedly arrested with firearms following the attack that claimed the life of Emiko Onuwaje.
According to the petition, the suspects were apprehended after the December 20, 2025 invasion of the oil-producing community, during which armed assailants allegedly stormed the area in what community leaders described as a coordinated attack.
The petition claimed that those arrested were allegedly found in possession of AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other weapons but were later released without being prosecuted.
The community leadership argued that the development has deepened fears among residents and raised concerns about the integrity of the investigation into the attack.
It alleged that the release of the suspects was the result of collaboration between some security personnel and influential individuals seeking to frustrate justice.
According to the petition, one of the suspects identified as Gbubemi Stephen Meke later appeared in a Facebook video, allegedly speaking in the Itsekiri language and boasting that he had regained his freedom and that no action would be taken against him.
The solicitors stated that copies of the alleged social media post and video recordings relating to the suspects’ arrest had been stored on a flash drive attached to the petition as supporting evidence.
The committee further alleged that certain influential Itsekiri figures had embarked on efforts to prevent further investigation into the matter.
According to sources familiar with the case, some individuals allegedly approached the Commanding Officer of the Nigerian Army’s Effurun Barracks in an attempt to secure what they described as a favourable report on the incident.
The sources claimed that the officer declined to interfere with the investigation.
The same sources further alleged that plans were underway for the group to meet senior military authorities in Port Harcourt in a fresh effort to influence the outcome of the investigation.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
In the petition, the community described the security situation in Ogidigben as increasingly tense, warning that residents now live in constant fear of another attack.
The document stated that the suspects, having regained their freedom, were allegedly regrouping and had become emboldened by what the community described as apparent impunity.
According to the petition, normal economic and social activities within the community have been significantly disrupted as many residents remain fearful of renewed violence.
The committee urged the Chief of Army Staff to order a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the release of the suspects.
It also requested that those responsible for authorising the release be identified and held accountable in accordance with the law.
The petition further appealed for measures to prevent further attacks on the community and to restore public confidence in the security agencies.
The community maintained that the December 20 invasion was a carefully coordinated armed assault targeted at a peaceful settlement and reiterated its demand that all those connected with the killing of Emiko Onuwaje be brought to justice.
Copies of the petition were also forwarded to the National Security Adviser, the Director General of the Department of State Services and the Inspector General of Police.
Community leaders said justice for the deceased and protection for residents remained their primary concerns, insisting that accountability was necessary to prevent future violence in the Niger Delta.
The latest petition comes as attention focuses on the reported 14-day directive allegedly issued by the Director General of the DSS for the production of the suspects for questioning.
Residents and stakeholders are awaiting the response of the relevant security agencies amid growing calls for a transparent investigation into both the December attack and the allegations surrounding the release of the suspects.
Efforts to obtain official responses from spokespersons of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Army regarding the allegations were unsuccessful as of the time this report was filed.
