Written by SpringNewsNG Media Limited, March 19, 2025.

Nine youths from the Niger Delta region have filed a lawsuit against former militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, and his Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, over alleged illegal arrests and detentions in Delta State.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeks N500 billion in damages for what the plaintiffs describe as violations of their fundamental rights.

The plaintiffs also listed Mr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP); Mr. Mathew Tonlagha; Mr. Godfrey Pondi; Mr. Keston Pondi; Mr. Simeon Bebenimibo; Mr. Joshua Macaiver; Mr. Komieyefa Uduboh; and Mr. Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), as respondents. Additionally, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other entities were named as respondents in the suit.

Led by Peter Zebulon, the plaintiffs allege that they were unlawfully arrested and detained at various times by operatives of Tantita Security Services, violating their fundamental right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution.

According to the plaintiffs, an illegal detention center has been operating in the region, where individuals are held against their will and subjected to forced labor.

They are seeking 17 declarations and orders from the court, including a ruling that their arrests and prolonged detentions constitute a breach of their constitutional rights. The plaintiffs have also requested an order compelling the 1st to 11th respondents, particularly Tompolo and Otuaro, to immediately release all individuals allegedly detained in what they describe as illegal detention facilities in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State.

Among those allegedly being held is one Charles Korubo, for whom the plaintiffs are demanding an immediate release. They have also requested the court to order the release of Chief Priest Karowei Bala, who is purportedly detained in the same facility.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs seek an injunction restraining the 1st to 11th respondents, particularly Tompolo and Otuaro, from conducting further arrests or detentions that infringe upon their rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

In addition, the plaintiffs are calling for an order preventing the 12th and 13th respondents, including government agencies, from releasing funds to Tompolo and Otuaro under any purported Tantita Security projects or similar programs.

The case highlights growing concerns over the operations of Tantita Security Services, which has been involved in security surveillance and anti-oil theft activities in the Niger Delta.

The plaintiffs maintain that their detentions were unlawful and insist that justice must be served. The Federal High Court is expected to hear the matter in the coming weeks.