Delta Police Arrest 67 in Warri Over Alleged Unlawful Gathering, Declare Six Wanted
Warri, Nigeria – August 29, 2023
The Delta State Police Command has intensified its search for six individuals—Abel Odafe, Chucks Emeka, Kunle Akikunmi, Romanus Omozokpea, Oghale Efe, and Godfrey Akenuwa—who allegedly fled a security raid in Warri, Uvwie Local Government Area.
According to Commissioner of Police Wale Abbas, officers acted on intelligence reports and stormed a gathering on August 27, leading to the arrest of 67 people. The purpose of the event remains under police investigation, but authorities claim it violated Nigerian law. While most suspects are in custody and awaiting legal proceedings, six individuals managed to escape and are now being tracked.
Among those arrested is Jerry Osas, whom investigators link to Romanus Omozokpea. Police sources suggest that Osas and Omozokpea had been questioned in a 2021 case in Benin, though they denied any wrongdoing. Their presence at the Warri gathering has raised further scrutiny.
Nigeria’s legal framework strictly regulates public assemblies, and authorities have vowed to prosecute those involved in what they describe as an illegal gathering. However, human rights advocates have criticized the crackdown, arguing that it infringes on civil liberties.
As the case unfolds, legal experts anticipate a heated debate on the limits of law enforcement in regulating private gatherings. Meanwhile, police have urged the public to assist in locating the fugitives as investigations continue.
