Soldiers arrest Tompolo's associates, others on the run

dimeji akinloye

July 21, 2016 7:28 AM

One of the suspects is said to be a member of Delta Waterways and Land Security Committee (DWLSC) and ex-councilor.

Former Niger Delta militant, Government Ekpemupolo, aka Tompolo (pictured)

Two suspected associates of ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias

They were picked up on Tuesday, July 19, report said.

However, the spokesman for the Ijaw People Development Initiative (IPDI), Mr Daniel Ezekiel, condemned the arrest, saying the soldiers broke into the residence of the DWLSC member through the roof and arrested him without a court warrant.

“We condemn the military action of breaking in through the roof of Simeon Bebenimibo’s home without a court warrant to arrest him, an act that amounts to kidnapping and abduction," he said.

"This is barbaric, obnoxious and unlawful. The military has no such powers except empowered by a valid court warrant. It is sad and we are disappointed.

“It is very disappointing and it is our demand that those military officers, who conducted themselves as kidnappers should be court marshalled.

“Bebenimibo hails from Gbaramatu Kingdom and is a member of Delta State Waterways and Land Security Committee. The military invaded his home in Warri at 12.05 a.m., on Tuesday in three trucks in a commando fashion as if they were going to war.

“In the process, they subjected his entire household, among them his little kid of five years, to a traumatic experience.”

ALSO READ: 'I'm not behind Niger Delta Avengers', says Tompolo

Other members of the DWLSC are said to be on the run.

dimeji akinloye