The Delta State Police Command has arrested and arraigned three suspects over a viral video showing the alleged torture and humiliation of a resident by a community leader and members of a local vigilante group in Emevor Community, Isoko North local government area.
The Command said the arrests followed a directive from Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi after the disturbing footage, which sparked widespread public outrage, surfaced on social media. According to a statement from Police Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe, an investigation by the Ozoro Area Command, combined with a petition from concerned human rights activists, established that the incident occurred on July 5, 2026 at about 8:15am, when the suspects, acting alongside others still at large, unlawfully apprehended the victim and took him to a hotel in Emevor, where he was allegedly subjected to severe humiliation, physically assaulted, injured and threatened with death.
Following investigation, police arrested Lucky Okeremu, 48, Chairman of Emevor Community, along with Okiemute Oyibo, 46, and Karo Akamakusi, 45, who have since 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 victim’s life, under Sections 516, 355, 249(e) and 86 of the Criminal Code Law of Delta State. The Command said efforts continue to apprehend other suspects who allegedly participated in the incident and remain at large.
Commissioner Oyeniyi said that while police recognise the complementary role community leaders and vigilante groups play in maintaining security, no individual or group holds the legal authority to assault, torture, intimidate or subject anyone to unlawful punishment, warning that anyone who takes the law into their own hands will face its full weight and urging vigilante groups to always hand suspects over to police for proper investigation and prosecution. The viral video, which showed the victim allegedly flogged, humiliated and forcibly banished from the community, drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians, civil society organisations and human rights advocates who called for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved, with the Command reaffirming its commitment to protecting residents’ rights and ensuring justice is served without fear or favour.
