Unlawful arrest: Advise DCP Adejobi to maintain professionalism on duty, Group to Delta CP, Oyeniyi Yemi

Following a raid and arrest of innocent citizens by the Police in Warri, Uvwie, Okpe, and Ughelli respectively, a group under the auspices of National Coordinator, Initiative For Social Rights Concerns And Advancement (ISRCA)
AKA “No Justice, No Peace ”on Saturday urged the new Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Oyeniyi Yemi to advise the Command's Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi to maintain professionalism in executing his duties in the State. 

ISRCA National Coordinator, Comrade (Amb) Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen made the call in a statement sent to Our Correspondent in Warri. 

The group warned that the police should refrain from unlawful arrests, proxy arrests, and extortion under the guise of bail. 

The group added that the Delta State Police Command should collaborate with the relevant agency responsible for handling drug-related cases, ensuring strict adherence to protocol and respect for citizens' rights.

According to the group, "It is now well-known that a series of raids and arrests have been conducted in Warri, Uvwie, Okpe, and Ughelli areas under the directives of the Delta State Police Command's Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Adejobi Olumuyiwa."

The group said the persistent raids and arrests occurring within the State premises, particularly the detention of innocent and unarmed citizens, have become intolerable. 

"While I strongly support crackdowns on illicit drug sales and usage, the Delta State Command should focus on apprehending traffickers and prosecuting them accordingly, rather than targeting law-abiding youths who are not involved in such activities and exploiting them for financial gain."

The group said issues of drug trafficking and abuse have become increasingly prevalent in the State, the police must exercise restraint and ensure that their actions are lawful, avoiding indiscriminate arrests and ensuring that genuine profiling is carried out, rather than using the situation as a means to generate money."

It also called on the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led Delta State Government take a proactive stance on this matter pointing out that the potential for tension in the State is evident given the instances of unprofessional conduct, injustices, and oppression perpetrated by the Delta State Police Command.

Earlier, a human right activist, Comrade Israel Joe in his Facebook page had raised alarm that a sick person who was arrested along with others during the Police raid died in custody at Ekpan Police Station.

In a swift reaction, the Delta State Police Command through the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe in a statement has debunked what it termed "false claim" of death in custody with a warning against misinformation. 

The Police Image maker said, "The Delta State Police Command has taken note of a publication by one Israel Joe, a self-acclaimed activist, alleging that an unnamed suspect died in Police custody at Ekpan Police Station."

According to SP Edafe, "The Command states unequivocally that the allegation is false, misleading, completely unfounded and an attempt to undermine the effort the command is putting to reduce crime in the state. At no time did any suspect die in Police custody in Ekpan or any part of the state, as claimed.

"The operation referenced was a coordinated raid on identified criminal hideouts carried out on 25th and 26th March 2026, under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi."

SP Edafe explained that, "The operation resulted in the arrest of over 270 suspects across Ughelli and Warri, including suspected drug traffickers and wanted cultists. 

"Large quantities of illicit drugs were also recovered during the exercise.
All suspects arrested were duly screened. Those not found wanting or indicted were released, while others are currently in custody, in good condition. It's important to reiterate again that "No casualty was recorded".

He said, "The Command views the deliberate spread of such misinformation as reckless and capable of misleading the public, undermining confidence in law enforcement, and distracting ongoing efforts to rid the State of criminal elements.

"While recognising the place of civil engagement, the Command will not tolerate individuals who operate under the guise of activism or blogging to peddle false and misleading narratives against the Police. Accordingly, the Command warns that any individual found publishing or circulating false information against the Police will be investigated, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law."

SP Edafe added that, "The Commissioner of Police reiterates that the Command remains resolute and undeterred in its constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and property and ensure that residents of Delta State continue to live in safety and peace. Members of the public are urged to disregard the said publication and rely only on official channels for credible information. 

"The Delta State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and the protection of all citizens."