Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Police authorities in Delta State, southern Nigeria, have moved to counter a circulating social media claim that a suspect died while in custody at the Ekpan Police Station. The assertion, widely shared online and attributed to a self-described activist, sparked concern among local residents and heightened scrutiny of police conduct in the context of recent security operations across the region. However, as of the latest official disclosure, the allegation has been unequivocally rejected by the Delta State Police Command, which described the narrative as false, misleading, and designed to undermine trust in law enforcement.
The dispute began after a post attributed to an individual calling himself Israel Joe claimed that one of the persons arrested in a recent police operation was sick and had subsequently died while detained at the Ekpan Police Station. The online post urged citizens to protest and called for the reassignment of the officer in charge of operations, implying serious wrongdoing by police personnel. The content quickly spread through messaging platforms and social feeds, attracting reactions and commentary from residents worried about custodial safety.
In a formal statement released on Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Delta State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, categorically denied the allegation. The statement labelled the claim as false, misleading, completely unfounded, and an attempt to erode the effectiveness of ongoing crime-fighting initiatives in the state.
Police clarified that no individual died in custody at Ekpan or anywhere else in Delta State in connection with the operation referenced by the social media post. According to the Command, no casualties were recorded during the period in question.
The disputed claim appears to be linked to a major coordinated law enforcement operation conducted by the Delta State Police on March 25 and March 26, 2026, under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. The operation targeted criminal hideouts across parts of Ughelli and Warri, areas known for heightened cultism, drug trafficking, and violent crime.
The police reported that the raid resulted in the apprehension of over 270 individuals suspected of involvement in cult activities and the illicit drug trade. A significant quantity of illegal substances was also seized during the exercise. The Command emphasised that all individuals were screened: those not found culpable were released, and the remainder remain in custody in good condition.
Authorities expressed concern that the spread of unverified and sensationalised claims could mislead the public, compromise trust in law enforcement institutions, and distract from vital operations to curb crime. The Delta State Police Command warned that the publication of such information was reckless and could fuel division or unrest.
The Delta State Police Command also issued a stern warning that individuals found to be publishing or circulating false information about police operations would be investigated and prosecuted under applicable law, including provisions of Nigeria’s cybercrime and defamation statutes.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing security challenges in Delta State and the wider South-South region of Nigeria. The area has in recent years seen periodic surges in violence linked to cult clashes, armed robbery, kidnappings, and clashes between criminal groups and security forces. These tensions have in turn placed law enforcement activities under public scrutiny.
While the current controversy over the custody death was officially dismissed, the broader public discourse reflects long-standing concerns in many Nigerian communities about transparency, custodial practices, and rights protections when it comes to policing and criminal justice. Historically, there have been documented cases in other regions of Nigeria where allegations of custodial deaths or unexplained fatalities triggered public outcry, legal inquiries, and demands for institutional reform.
Civil society activists and media observers have stressed the importance of transparent communication from authorities, particularly in matters involving alleged misconduct by security agencies. Many stakeholders argue that while social media posts cannot be taken at face value, they often reflect underlying public anxieties about safety, fairness, and respect for human rights. On this front, digital literacy and responsible information sharing are increasingly emphasised as tools for strengthening public discourse and reducing the spread of misinformation. Meanwhile, police agencies are urged to engage more proactively with communities and the press to provide verified updates on security operations, arrests, and outcomes. This could help defuse misunderstandings and foster a sense of mutual accountability.
As of the latest update, the Delta State Police Command continues to maintain that the claim of a custodial death was unfounded. Officers involved in the raid and subsequent detentions remain on duty, and authorities are pursuing ongoing investigations into criminal activities as part of a broader security strategy. Meanwhile, residents and observers are being reminded to rely on official communication channels for credible information and to exercise caution when engaging with unverified online content.
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