Edo Rights Group Accuses Uromi DPO of Harassing Activist, Demands Police Action
The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has accused the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi Division, CSP Monday Agbon, of intimidation, abuse of office, and targeted harassment of activist Comrade General Henry Oziegbe.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the coalition said Oziegbe, a known social justice advocate, has faced sustained reprisals allegedly linked to his criticism of police extortion and systemic injustice in Uromi.
The group disclosed that multiple petitions had earlier been submitted to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, accusing the DPO of extortion, bribery, and abuse of authority. Rather than submit to investigation, the coalition alleged, the officer responded with threats, intimidation, and attempts to criminalise the activist.
According to the statement, jointly signed by Coordinator Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Secretary-General Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the DPO allegedly threatened to fabricate charges against Oziegbe and later branded him a cultist—an accusation the coalition described as false, reckless, and dangerous.
The coalition further claimed that following a directive from the Commissioner of Police to review one of the petitions, the DPO sought to use the Anti-Cultism Unit in Benin City to arrest Oziegbe. However, the unit reportedly declined after finding no factual or evidentiary basis for the allegations.
“The Anti-Cultism Unit, acting with commendable professional integrity, refused to comply after establishing that the claims were entirely unfounded,” the group said.
Describing Oziegbe as “a conscientious dissenter and defender of the oppressed,” the coalition argued that any attempt to arrest or detain him would amount to a violation of his constitutional rights. Citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it warned against arbitrary arrest, detention, or enforced disappearance.
The group also stated that any harm or unlawful action against the activist would be held personally against the DPO and any officers involved.
Consequently, the coalition called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other oversight bodies to intervene, investigate the allegations, and prevent what it described as a growing culture of impunity.
“We will not capitulate. We will not be intimidated. An injury to one remains an injury to all,” the coalition declared.
The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has accused the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi Division, CSP Monday Agbon, of intimidation, abuse of office, and targeted harassment of activist Comrade General Henry Oziegbe.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the coalition said Oziegbe, a known social justice advocate, has faced sustained reprisals allegedly linked to his criticism of police extortion and systemic injustice in Uromi.
The group disclosed that multiple petitions had earlier been submitted to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, accusing the DPO of extortion, bribery, and abuse of authority. Rather than submit to investigation, the coalition alleged, the officer responded with threats, intimidation, and attempts to criminalise the activist.
According to the statement, jointly signed by Coordinator Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Secretary-General Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the DPO allegedly threatened to fabricate charges against Oziegbe and later branded him a cultist—an accusation the coalition described as false, reckless, and dangerous.
The coalition further claimed that following a directive from the Commissioner of Police to review one of the petitions, the DPO sought to use the Anti-Cultism Unit in Benin City to arrest Oziegbe. However, the unit reportedly declined after finding no factual or evidentiary basis for the allegations.
“The Anti-Cultism Unit, acting with commendable professional integrity, refused to comply after establishing that the claims were entirely unfounded,” the group said.
Describing Oziegbe as “a conscientious dissenter and defender of the oppressed,” the coalition argued that any attempt to arrest or detain him would amount to a violation of his constitutional rights. Citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it warned against arbitrary arrest, detention, or enforced disappearance.
The group also stated that any harm or unlawful action against the activist would be held personally against the DPO and any officers involved.
Consequently, the coalition called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other oversight bodies to intervene, investigate the allegations, and prevent what it described as a growing culture of impunity.
“We will not capitulate. We will not be intimidated. An injury to one remains an injury to all,” the coalition declared.
Edo Rights Group Accuses Uromi DPO of Harassing Activist, Demands Police Action
The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has accused the Divisional Police Officer of Uromi Division, CSP Monday Agbon, of intimidation, abuse of office, and targeted harassment of activist Comrade General Henry Oziegbe.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the coalition said Oziegbe, a known social justice advocate, has faced sustained reprisals allegedly linked to his criticism of police extortion and systemic injustice in Uromi.
The group disclosed that multiple petitions had earlier been submitted to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, accusing the DPO of extortion, bribery, and abuse of authority. Rather than submit to investigation, the coalition alleged, the officer responded with threats, intimidation, and attempts to criminalise the activist.
According to the statement, jointly signed by Coordinator Marxist Kola Edokpayi and Secretary-General Comrade Aghatise Raphael, the DPO allegedly threatened to fabricate charges against Oziegbe and later branded him a cultist—an accusation the coalition described as false, reckless, and dangerous.
The coalition further claimed that following a directive from the Commissioner of Police to review one of the petitions, the DPO sought to use the Anti-Cultism Unit in Benin City to arrest Oziegbe. However, the unit reportedly declined after finding no factual or evidentiary basis for the allegations.
“The Anti-Cultism Unit, acting with commendable professional integrity, refused to comply after establishing that the claims were entirely unfounded,” the group said.
Describing Oziegbe as “a conscientious dissenter and defender of the oppressed,” the coalition argued that any attempt to arrest or detain him would amount to a violation of his constitutional rights. Citing Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it warned against arbitrary arrest, detention, or enforced disappearance.
The group also stated that any harm or unlawful action against the activist would be held personally against the DPO and any officers involved.
Consequently, the coalition called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and other oversight bodies to intervene, investigate the allegations, and prevent what it described as a growing culture of impunity.
“We will not capitulate. We will not be intimidated. An injury to one remains an injury to all,” the coalition declared.
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