Was Justice Denied? Why Is Inspector Oboh Still Detained After Being Cleared of Murder Charges in Rivers State? | Fintter Was justice truly served in the case of Inspector Hycenth Oboh—or is this another troubling example of power, politics, and abuse within Nigeria’s law enforcement system? In a case that is raising serious constitutional and human rights concerns, Inspector Hycenth Oboh, a serving police officer attached to the Rivers State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, has allegedly been illegally detained for over 18 months without trial, court order, or lawful disciplinary sanction. His prolonged detention follows a tragic shooting incident that occurred on June 18, 2024, at the Eberi-Omuma Local Government Council Secretariat, where two people were killed during a crossfire. What makes this case particularly controversial is that Inspector Oboh was reportedly discharged and acquitted during an internal police disciplinary process in August 2024. Despite this, he has remained in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Port Harcourt—raising urgent questions about the rule of law, police accountability, and respect for constitutional rights in Nigeria. According to sources, Oboh was initially arrested alongside 11 other officers and subjected to investigations by the Homicide Department. They were later tried under the Police Act and Regulations on three counts: discreditable conduct, unlawful exercise of authority, and destruction of government property through the alleged waste of ammunition. All officers pleaded not guilty. Oboh, in particular, denied firing any weapon and reportedly presented medical evidence showing exposure to teargas. The internal proceedings reportedly ended with eight officers, including Oboh, being cleared of all charges. However, in a twist that has left many observers baffled, the Rivers State Police Command allegedly ordered a second disciplinary trial without presenting new evidence. While six officers were later dismissed and five released, Inspector Oboh alone was kept in detention, with no official explanation, court arraignment, or detention order. Even more disturbing are allegations of political interference. Sources claim that a serving federal lawmaker, Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, who represents Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency, may have influenced senior police officials to ensure Oboh remains detained—allegedly to prevent him from testifying or being fully investigated. Although these claims have not been independently verified and the lawmaker has yet to respond, they deepen public concern about whether the case is being driven by justice or by political interests. Beyond the legal questions, the human cost is devastating. Reports indicate that Oboh’s prolonged detention has destroyed his family life, with his wife reportedly leaving with their children due to lack of support. Paradoxically, despite being held over a murder investigation, he is said to have continued receiving his salary, further highlighting contradictions in how the case is being handled. Human rights advocates argue that this situation represents a clear violation of constitutional rights, particularly the rights to liberty and fair hearing. As one advocate put it: “You cannot acquit a man, detain him endlessly, and still call it justice. This is a dangerous abuse of power.” As of now, there is no known court order, no formal charge, and no legal justification for Inspector Oboh’s continued detention. Calls are growing louder for either his immediate release or for authorities to arraign him before a competent court if credible evidence exists. 💬 What Do You Think? (Comment Hooks for Fintter) If an officer is cleared internally, can the police legally keep him locked up without a court order? Is this a case of justice delayed, or justice deliberately denied? Could political influence be overriding due process in this matter? Should Nigeria reform how police disciplinary actions and criminal prosecutions are handled? 👉 Join the conversation on Fintter: Is Inspector Oboh a victim of systemic abuse—or are there facts the public still doesn’t know?

How Did Detained Police Officers Still Get Paid After the Deadly Omuma Shooting? Panel Acquits 10, Demotes Two – What Went Wrong?” An exclusive SaharaReporters investigation reveals shocking details about the June 18, 2024 deadly shooting at the Eberi-Omuma Local Government Council Secretariat in Rivers State, where at least two people lost their lives. Despite being detained over the incident, Inspector Hycent Oboh continued to receive his salary of ₦249,138.13 in December 2025, raising questions about accountability within the Nigerian Police Force. The incident, triggered by heightened political tensions in Omuma, involved multiple armed police officers allegedly firing live bullets and deploying teargas, leaving Inspector David Mgbada and civilian security operative Samuel Nwigwe dead. Eyewitnesses described chaos, teargas clouds, and indiscriminate gunfire, some linking officers to political actors. Yet, the police orderly room trial, which began in August 2024 at the SCIID in Port Harcourt, found that evidential gaps and investigative lapses prevented most officers from being held accountable. After hearing testimonies from eight witnesses, the Executive Chairman of Omuma LGA, and the accused officers themselves, the panel acquitted 10 officers of all charges due to lack of proof. Only Inspectors Michael Etim (D5) and Nelson Mbang (D8) were demoted for discreditable conduct, having joined an unauthorised security detail, highlighting a serious breakdown in police discipline and investigative rigor. The panel criticized the Investigating Police Officers (IPO) for failing to verify evidence, including video footage, conduct ballistic analyses, or identify officers present at the scene. This failure, the panel said, compromised justice for the victims and reflected political influence and systemic weaknesses within the force. Shockingly, the panel even recommended a posthumous trial for late Inspector Mgbada, underscoring the unusual and controversial nature of the proceedings. The case raises serious questions about police accountability, salary payments during detention, and systemic failures in handling politically sensitive incidents. Citizens and stakeholders continue to demand transparency, proper investigations, and meaningful reforms to prevent future abuses and ensure justice for victims. Fintter readers, we want to hear from you: How can the Nigerian Police Force be held accountable when investigations fail and officers continue to draw salaries despite detention? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Israeli Forces Raid Birzeit University in West Bank, Injure Palestinian Students with Live Ammunition and Tear Gas Amid International Law Concerns Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank on January 6, 2026, wounding at least three Palestinian students with live gunfire and injuring dozens more with tear gas during the raid. The incursion disrupted academic activities for over 8,000 students, with university officials reporting damage to campus facilities, including the main gate, and the seizure of equipment belonging to student movements. Three students sustained gunshot wounds to the legs and were transferred to hospital by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, while others suffered suffocation or minor injuries from the chaos. The university’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assem Khalil, was also detained during the operation. The Palestinian Ministry of Education condemned the raid as a violation of international law, emphasizing that attacks on universities constitute assaults on the right to education and the sanctity of academic institutions. The ministry urged international organizations, human rights groups, and media bodies to intervene and protect Palestinian higher education from repeated incursions. #BirzeitUniversity #WestBank #PalestinianStudents #IsraelRaid #EducationUnderAttack #InternationalLaw #OccupiedPalestine #TearGas #Gunfire #PalestinianEducation

Kogi Youths Teargassed by Police While Protesting Rampant Killings, Kidnappings and Abandonment of 44 Communities in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area Police operatives on Friday dispersed protesting youths from Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State with teargas as they demonstrated against worsening insecurity, frequent killings, kidnappings and the abandonment of dozens of communities in Bunuland. The protesters, mostly youths, blocked a major road during the peaceful protest, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with messages such as “Bunuland Bleeds” and “Why Should We Ask for Permission to Live?” One of the protesters said that out of 44 communities in Bunuland, many had been completely deserted as residents fled persistent attacks by armed groups. He cited communities such as Kayetoro, Kiri and Ole, where several people had reportedly been killed in recent incidents, forcing survivors to abandon their ancestral homes out of fear. Despite the presence of police and the firing of teargas, the protesters insisted they would not back down in their demand for urgent government intervention. However, the protest was eventually disrupted as police fired multiple rounds of teargas, forcing the demonstrators to disperse and clearing the road. Residents of Kabba-Bunu and neighbouring areas have repeatedly accused authorities of failing to protect lives and farmlands amid rising cases of killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities. The protest comes amid a series of recent security incidents in Kogi State, including reported abductions along the Omi-Odo Ara Road in Yagba West Local Government Area and a coordinated terrorist attack on Odo-Ere community, where at least four residents were kidnapped. The developments highlight growing frustration among local communities over insecurity and the perceived inaction of government and security agencies.

Wike Accused as Police Teargas Abuja Contractors Protesting ₦5.2bn Unpaid Debts Police officers allegedly acting on the orders of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike tear-gassed protesting contractors who barricaded his office over ₦5.2 billion in unpaid contract funds. The contractors say all projects—from drain clearing to medical procurement—were completed, inspected, verified, and approved, yet Wike refused to sign off on payments for nearly two years. The prolonged debt has allegedly caused deaths, medical trauma, loan defaults, and family breakdowns among contractors. Despite appeals to the Minister, the Presidency, and the National Assembly, the group claims nothing has changed. #Wike #FCTContractors #PoliceBrutality

Police Teargas Sowore, Other Protesters In Lagos. Operatives of the Lagos Command of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday used teargas to disperse protesters demonstrating against the demolition of some buildings in the Oworonshoki area by the state government. Naija News reports that former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was part of the protesters dispersed when the Police operatives fired teargas into the crowd. Police started dispersing the crowd shortly after Sowore arrived at the scene of the protest organized by the Take It Back Movement in solidarity with those affected by the demolition.

Sowore’s Arrest Inside Courtroom Is An Open Assault On Democracy – Atiku. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged President Bola Tinubu to order the immediate release of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who was arrested in Abuja. Sowore was taken into custody by security officers at the Federal High Court in Abuja after meeting with detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. His arrest came just days after he organised a nationwide protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuNow on October 20, calling for Kanu’s unconditional release. The protest was disrupted by security agents who used teargas to scatter demonstrators. Several participants, including Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, and his brother, Emmanuel Kanu, were detained alongside others. Sowore, who initially escaped, was later arrested at the court on October 23. Reacting to the incident, Atiku, in a tweet, condemned Sowore’s arrest, describing it as a shameful attack on democracy and the rule of law. He said the move shows the government’s growing intolerance toward opposing views. He called on the authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Sowore and other detained protesters, stressing that citizens have the constitutional right to protest peacefully.

Free Nnamdi Kanu: More reactions trail Abuja protest. The Free Nnamdi Kanu Protest’, convened by a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore went on as scheduled on Monday across the Federal Capital Territory, FCT. Sowore, who had mobilized many Nigerians from across the country to join the demonstration, planned that protesters would march to the Presidential Villa in Abuja to demand for Kanu’s release. But Justice M.G. Umar, issued an order on October 17, 2025, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2202/2025 — Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Omoyele Sowore & 4 others, restraining the protesters and other groups from staging any form of demonstrations for Kanu’s release in certain areas within the FCT. The ruling barred the respondents and any individuals or groups acting on their behalf from protesting within and around Aso Rock Villa, the National Assembly Complex, Force Headquarters, the Court of Appeal, Eagle Square, and Shehu Shagari Way. In line with Justice Umar’s ruling on the protest, men of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded all roads leading to the areas mentioned by the ruling, thereby, frustrating Sowore and his fellow protesters from ensuring that their plans materialized. While barricading the roads, the police also shot teargas canisters to scare commuters and possible protesters from using the roads. Despite attempts by security operatives to stifle the protesters from carrying out their programme, Sowore and the demonstrators moved to other areas like Utako and Apo areas of Abuja where they protested. In the course of the protest, the police arrested and detained Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel; his Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, and other protesters at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Command CID.

#FreeNnamdiKanu: APC Came To Power Through Protests, Now Scared Of Protests – Wabara Fumes. Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, has called for the immediate release of all protesters arrested in Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow demonstration in Abuja. Speaking via a statement on Tuesday, Wabara condemned the action of some security operatives who fired teargas canisters at peaceful protesters. He urged President Bola Tinubu to call the security operatives to order, describing the intimidation and arrest of peaceful protesters as “a serious dent on Nigeria’s global image.” The elder statesman also frowned at the alleged manhandling of a journalist covering the protest whose camera was reportedly broken by some overzealous security operatives. According to the former Senate President, the arrest of Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, and lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor; among others, will only aggravate the already tensed situation in the South East. Senator Wabara who argued that “it is the fundamental right of citizens to hold peaceful protest”, said the police are required to provide protection for protesters, and not to clamp down on them. Citing the ongoing ‘No King Protest’ involving about 7 million people in the United States of America, “where there are no incidents of molestation or brutality”, Senator Wabara challenged the Nigeria security operatives to learn from their US counterparts. The former Senate President accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC-led, federal government which he said, “is a product of protests”, of using intimidation and brute force against dissenting voices.

Police Deny Shooting Sowore, Others During Protest In Abuja. The Nigeria Police Force has denied claims that its operatives fired live bullets at protesters in Abuja during the #FreeNnamdiKanu demonstration led by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore on Monday. The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said it was only teargas that was fired. He added that people who are not familiar with the sound can mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition as both make the same popping, explosion-like sound. Hundeyin, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday night, added that the Police only fired tear gas after the protesters refused to leave the areas where the court had already prohibited their demonstrations. “I can say it authoritatively that no live ammunition was fired today. Not a single live ammunition. “It is easy for people who are not familiar with the sound to mistake the firing of teargas for live ammunition. It makes the same popping, explosion-like sound. I can say it on good authority that no live ammunition was shot. “We made it clear that we were going to enforce this court order. We gave enough warning to these people to step back and not go beyond where they were, but they were adamant and they were approaching these areas,” he said. The Force PRO added that the officers acted within the provisions of the law and established procedures to ensure public safety.

Lagos Youths Forum Condemns Midnight Demolition Of Houses In Oworoshoki With Teargassing Of Residents. In a statement issued on Saturday, the group said the demolition began in the early hours of September 6, 2025. The Oworo Youths Forum (OYF) has strongly condemned the ongoing demolition of houses in Oworoshoki, Lagos State, describing the exercise as a “crime against humanity.” In a statement issued on Saturday, the group said the demolition began in the early hours of September 6, 2025. The statement was signed by OYF Secretary, Opeyemi Ogunlami, and Public Relations Officer, Towolawi Jamiu. "The Oworo Youths Forum (OYF) is concerned about the distress call we got this morning around 1am, September 6, 2025 about houses being demolished and our people rendered homeless in Oworoshoki, Kosofe Local Government of Lagos State." The group alleged that the exercise was part of a larger attack that had been ongoing for more than two years. "The demolition exercise is a continuation of attack on Oworoshoki that started since July 2023 where over 1,000 homes have been destroyed and over 30,000 people rendered homeless including women and children. We condemn this barbaric act outrightly!." According to OYF, the demolition was carried out in the middle of the night, with residents subjected to teargas.

POLICE FIRES TEARGAS AT PROTESTERS OVER YELEWATA KILLING Men of the Nigeria Police on Sunday fired teargas to disperse a crowd of angry protesters demonstrating against the brutal killing of over 200 residents in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area. The protesters, dressed in black and wielding placards, had taken to the streets to demand justice and immediate action from the state and federal governments. Their chants filled the air with grief and outrage, as they called for an end to the unrelenting attacks by suspected armed herdsmen. The peaceful demonstration, however, turned chaotic when security forces arrived at the scene and fired teargas canisters to break up the crowd. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as protesters scattered for safety, with some reportedly injured in the ensuing stampede.