An Abuja-based businessman and community advocate, Anthony Anamonye, remains in detention in Delta State despite being granted bail by the Federal High Court, Asaba, following his protest against alleged illegal coal-mining activities in his hometown of Ugboba.

Anamonye’s ordeal began after SaharaReporters published his claims regarding unlawful operations by Mosra Energy Ltd in Ugboba. On 14 September 2025, he was arrested inside the palace of the traditional ruler, HRH Obi Ezedimbu Nkebakwu III, after requesting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the mining activities.

He was initially charged at the Ezi District Magistrate Court with defamation, false publication, and threats. Observers said the magistrate insisted that the traditional ruler—listed as the nominal complainant—appear in court to defend the allegations. However, the complainant’s prosecutor withdrew the charges to pursue “further investigation.”

Immediately after the withdrawal, police allegedly dragged Anamonye from the courtroom, rearrested him, and detained him at the Onicha-Olona Police Division. He later spent 31 days at the State CID in Asaba.

His lawyer, Barrister Monday Olodu, explained that despite the charges being dropped, police claimed a new court order justified detention on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, which are ordinarily bailable offences. Repeated requests for bail were denied.

On 17 November 2025, the Federal High Court, Asaba granted bail with conditions including a ₦5 million bond, a landed property document, bank statement, and national ID. The property used as surety was officially valued at ₦87 million by TC Omedomero & Partners. The court directed the Delta State Police Command, led by CSP Gladys Ekpakuemu Imegu, to inspect the property and submit a verification report.

Two days after the directive, the verification had not been conducted, allegedly stalling the finalization of his bail.

“This delay is deliberate,” Olodu said, calling on the Inspector General of Police and Delta State Commissioner of Police to intervene.
“Refusal to comply is effectively keeping my client in unlawful detention.”

A police source warned that the delay could extend Anamonye’s detention for weeks, given that the Federal High Court judge won’t sit again until next week, with possible recess until January.

Multiple lawyers in Asaba have previously filed complaints against CSP Imegu, accusing her of habitual obstruction of court processes and heavy-handed conduct. These complaints remain unproven but reflect widespread concern among legal practitioners in the state.

Throughout his detention, Anamonye says he has been targeted for raising questions about coal mining operations in his community.

“All I asked for were the documents guiding the mining happening in our land,” he said.
“For that, I have spent weeks behind bars for offences the court says I should get bail for. Now that the court has granted bail, the police still won’t obey its directive.”

Human-rights advocates note his case highlights systemic issues in Delta State, including prolonged pretrial detention, alleged police impunity, and the high personal cost of challenging powerful extractive interests.

For Anamonye and his family, each day in custody deepens the emotional, economic, and psychological toll.