The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has ordered relevant authorities to produce four residents of Oviri-Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, who are currently detained at the Warri Custodial Centre.
The order followed a suit filed by some members of the community, Ben Johnson Ekere, Sunday Okregh, Alfred Ojite and Anthony Onyeabor, challenging the circumstances surrounding their arrest and continued detention.
The applicants, through their counsel, Oghenefegor Paul, alleged that they were arrested by the police over what they described as false accusations and subsequently remanded at the Warri Custodial Centre without being properly arraigned before a competent court.
They are seeking an order compelling the respondents to produce them before the court and explain the circumstances surrounding their detention.
They are also seeking an order granting them administrative bail to reliable sureties pending their arraignment.
In Suit No. FHC/PH/MISC/394/2026, the applicants sued the Nigeria Police Service Commission, the Inspector-General of Police, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, ASP Judith Bisong and DCC Egbe Okemewoma Richard, Officer-in-Charge of the Warri Custodial Centre.
After considering the motion ex parte, a 37-paragraph affidavit and submissions by counsel, Justice Adamu Turaki Mohammed directed the respondents to appear before the court and show cause why the applicants’ requests should not be granted.
The court also ordered that hearing notices be issued to the respondents and adjourned the matter until August 18, 2026, for hearing.
The allegations of unlawful detention and improper remand remain subject to determination by the court, while the respondents are expected to present their positions at the next hearing.
The development has raised concerns among residents of the Ancient Olomu Kingdom, which is headed by the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, His Royal Majesty Albert Akpomudje, SAN.
The applicants’ allegations, however, remain claims before the court and have yet to be judicially determined.
