Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THREE men have been arrested and arraigned before a court in Delta State following a viral video that showed a local community leader and vigilante members allegedly torturing a resident in the Emevor Community in Delta State.
The suspects, Lucky Okeremu, 48, who serves as Chairman of Emevor Community, Okiemute Oyibo, 46, and Karo Akamakusi, 45, are accused of conspiring to assault, humiliate and threaten the life of a victim in an incident that has sparked widespread outrage across the state.
The incident reportedly occurred on 5 July 2026 at approximately 8:15 a.m, when the suspects, acting alongside others who remain at large, unlawfully apprehended the victim and took him to a hotel within the community.
There, according to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, he was allegedly subjected to severe humiliation, physically assaulted, inflicted with bodily injuries and threatened with death.
The disturbing footage, which circulated rapidly on social media, immediately drew the attention of Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, who directed the Area Commander of Ozoro Area Command to conduct a swift and discreet investigation.
The inquiry was further reinforced by a formal petition from concerned human rights activists.
Upon conclusion of the investigation, the suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, and threatening the life of the victim—offences contrary to Sections 516, 355, 249(e), and 86 respectively of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Vol. I, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.
The trio have since been arraigned before a competent court.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects who are still on the run.
In a strongly worded statement, CP Oyeniyi reaffirmed that whilst the command recognises the valuable role of community leaders and vigilante groups in supporting security efforts, no individual or group has the authority to assault, torture, intimidate or subject any person to unlawful punishment.
The Commissioner warned that anyone who takes the law into their own hands will be prosecuted, and urged vigilante groups to always hand over suspects to the police for lawful investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.
