By Philomina Brando
The family of Kenneth Ojobo, a resident of Okirighwere Community in Amukpe, Sapele, Delta State, has accused security authorities of shielding those allegedly responsible for his death.
The family made the allegation in an interview with SaharaReporters on Friday, claiming that witnesses in the case have been intimidated and efforts made to suppress the investigation.
They specifically accused the Force Criminal Department, reportedly led by Margaret Ochalla, of concealing critical details surrounding the incident.
The family also alleged that the investigation may have been compromised due to the involvement of politically connected individuals, including claims linking a top Delta State political figure to the matter. However, these claims have not been officially confirmed.
According to the family, some witnesses have relocated from Delta State to Abuja over safety concerns, alleging threats warning them against speaking out or returning.
“Witnesses are scared for their lives. They have been threatened and warned not to speak or return,” the family said.
They further alleged that one of the suspects, Joseph Eritobo, described as a political thug, remains at large despite the gravity of the accusations against him.
The family called on the Inspector-General of Police to take over the case and ensure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted, warning that failure to act could erode public trust in the police.
“The killers of Kenneth Ojobo must be brought to justice. The Inspector-General must not allow his office to be dragged into disrepute,” the statement added.
Documents obtained by SaharaReporters indicated that the Nigeria Police Force had, in November 2025, initiated action on a petition alleging terrorism, gun-running, and the killing of Ojobo.
A police memo dated November 17, 2025, showed that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police directed the Force Intelligence Department to take necessary action following a formal complaint submitted through legal representatives.
The directive, issued from the Force Headquarters, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, and signed on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (FID), instructed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Intelligence Response Team to act on the petition.
Part of the memo read, “Forward here with letter No. CB:7000/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.925/74 dated 12th November, 2025 received from the office of the Inspector-General of Police and its attachment on the above subject.
“The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department directs you note for necessary action, please.”
The complaint, filed by Izikdave Chambers on behalf of Sunday Okoro, accused one Gabriel and one Eritobo, said to be on the run, alongside unnamed accomplices, of orchestrating violent attacks on the community.
According to the petition dated October 31, 2025, the suspects allegedly carried out an attack on August 5, 2025, during which the community was “terrorised,” leaving Okoro injured and resulting in Ojobo’s death.
The lawyers stated that their client narrowly escaped death but sustained serious injuries, adding that the same group has continued to threaten residents, including specific threats against Okoro.
They also alleged a subsequent attempt on Okoro’s life days before the petition was filed, during which he reportedly escaped with injuries. Photographic evidence was said to have been attached.
The legal representatives expressed concern that earlier complaints to local police authorities yielded no results, alleging possible compromise due to familiarity between the suspects and officers in the area.
They warned that continued inaction could push their client toward self-help, which they described as dangerous and avoidable.
The petition read in part, “Our client has informed us that on the 5th day of August 2025 the men listed above and their cohorts terrorized the whole Okrighwere Community in Amukpe Sapele, Delta State, in which he sustained serious injuries and also led to the death of one Mr. Kenneth Ojobo.
“Our client who managed to survive the insurgence has also informed us that after the deceased was taken to the morgue, the above-listed men have continued to terrorize the whole community and have specifically threatened to assassinate him.”
The lawyers urged the police high command to urgently investigate the allegations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Attempts to reach DIG Ochalla were unsuccessful as calls to her mobile phone were not answered.