The Delta State Police Command has arrested and arraigned three suspects, including the Chairman of Emevor Community in Isoko North Local Government Area, over the alleged torture and assault of a resident captured in a viral video that sparked widespread outrage on social media.
The Command said the arrests followed a swift investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, after the disturbing footage, which allegedly showed a community leader and members of a local vigilante group torturing a man, circulated widely online.
According to the police, the investigation was conducted by the Ozoro Area Command and was further strengthened by a petition submitted by concerned human rights activists.
Preliminary findings revealed that on July 5, 2026, at about 8:15 a.m., the suspects, acting in concert with other persons still at large, allegedly apprehended the victim unlawfully and took him to a hotel in Emevor Community.
The police alleged that while at the hotel, the victim was subjected to severe humiliation, physically assaulted, inflicted with bodily injuries and threatened with death.
Following the conclusion of investigations, police arrested Lucky Okeremu (48), identified as the Chairman of Emevor Community, alongside Okiemute Oyibo (46) and Karo Akamakusi (45).
The suspects have since been arraigned before a competent court on charges bordering on conspiracy to commit felony, assault occasioning harm, conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, and threatening the life of the victim, contrary to Sections 516, 355, 249(e), and 86 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap. C21, Volume I, Laws of Delta State of Nigeria, 2006.
Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi stressed that while the Police appreciate the role of community leaders and vigilante groups in supporting local security efforts, they have no legal authority to punish or brutalise suspects.
“The Command recognises the role of community leaders and vigilante groups in supporting security efforts, but no individual or group has the authority to assault, torture, intimidate, or subject any person to unlawful punishment,” the Commissioner stated.
He warned that the Delta State Police Command would not tolerate acts of jungle justice or abuse of human rights under any guise.
The Commissioner further cautioned that anyone who takes the law into their own hands would face the full weight of the law, urging vigilante groups across the state to hand over suspects to the Police for proper investigation and prosecution instead of resorting to unlawful punishment.
“He 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.”
