Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Over 100 youths, under the aegis of the Let's Save Asaba Movement Initiative, staged a peaceful protest at the Delta State Government House in Asaba on Friday, August 14, 2026, over what they described as growing cases of midnight raids, forced entry into homes, illegal arrests, and intimidation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The protesters, operating under the motto "See Something, Say Something," presented a petition to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, urging him to intervene over what they said were concerns about the conduct of some EFCC operations in the state.
The petition was received on behalf of the state government by Nwokoro Julius, a security aide to the governor, who promised to forward it to the appropriate authorities. The protesters insisted that they were not opposed to the EFCC's fight against financial crimes but demanded that the commission's activities be carried out lawfully and professionally, with due regard for the fundamental rights, dignity, and privacy of residents.
Speaking to journalists at the Government House, a co-convener of the movement, Marvin Mordi, said the group was seeking government intervention rather than confrontation. "We don't want to take the protest to the streets. What we are here for is simple. We are here to tell the government that our rights as citizens of Nigeria are not a crime. It is not a crime to be doing well," Mordi said. He alleged that EFCC operatives had entered residential areas and arrested young people without adequate identification or profiling. "It is not a crime for anybody to come from nowhere, come to our houses and pick up our youths," he said.
Mordi further claimed that some youths were taken away during an operation the previous night, adding that allegations had emerged that millions of naira were being demanded from some detainees. "Just last night, some youths were taken away. They are there, and there are allegations that millions of naira are being demanded from some persons," he said. Appealing for prompt intervention, Mordi urged the state government to communicate its concerns directly to the commission. "The government should send a message to them. They should leave our people alone," he said.
Emmanuel Ogbolu, who identified himself as one of the alleged victims, appealed to Governor Oborevwori to ensure that EFCC operatives adopted a more professional approach when conducting operations involving young people. Ogbolu expressed concern that what he characterised as indiscriminate operations could fuel tension among young people and create broader security problems in the state. "Why I am calling on the governor in this matter is that the EFCC is trying to promote youth restiveness, and I know the governor will not like it. If it occurs, we are going to be facing a lot of security challenges," he said. He also questioned the alleged failure of operatives to properly identify residents before entering residential premises. "What happened to proper profiling? What happened to being professional in their dealings?" he asked.
In their petition, the Let's Save Asaba Movement Initiative stated that they support the EFCC's duty to fight financial crimes and corruption but insisted that the commission must exercise its powers within the framework of the constitution and the rule of law. The group demanded an investigation into allegations of unlawful midnight raids, forced entry, intimidation, and harassment of residents across the state. They also called on the state government to engage with relevant federal authorities to ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions and applicable laws in EFCC operations. Other demands included protecting the fundamental rights, dignity, privacy, and security of residents, as well as establishing channels where affected citizens can safely submit evidence and complaints about alleged misconduct.
The protesters said they would continue to advocate for residents' rights through peaceful and lawful means. "We are law-abiding citizens. We want justice, not confrontation," the group declared. As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC had not responded to the allegations. The protest comes amid heightened scrutiny of the anti-graft agency's operations in Delta State, where similar demonstrations have occurred in recent months over what youths have described as heavy-handed tactics. For the protesters, the message was clear: they are not against the fight against corruption, but they will not accept a fight that tramples on the rights of innocent citizens.
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