By Sunday Apah
The Delta State Police have arrested and arraigned three suspects in connection with a viral video depicting the alleged torture of a resident by a community leader and local vigilante members in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area.
In a statement issued Friday, July 10, 2026, by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the incident, widely circulated on social media, immediately prompted the Commissioner of Police, Delta State, to direct the Ozoro Area Commander to conduct a swift and discreet investigation. Reinforced by a petition from human rights activists, the investigation established that on July 5, 2026, at approximately 0815hrs, the suspects, acting with others now at large, unlawfully apprehended the victim.
He was then taken to a hotel in Emevor Community, where he was allegedly subjected to severe humiliation, physical assault, bodily injuries, and death threats.
Following the investigation’s conclusion, police arrested Lucky Okeremu (48), Chairman of Emevor Community; Okiemute Oyibo (46); and Karo Akamakusi (45).
The suspects have been arraigned before a competent court on 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.
These charges are 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. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniy, psc, acipm, mnips, reiterated that while the command acknowledges the role of community leaders and vigilante groups in security efforts, no individual or group has the authority to assault, torture, intimidate, or unlawfully punish any person.
He warned that those who take 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.
