The Delta State chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) has strongly condemned what it describes as a growing pattern of police misconduct, unlawful detention, and selective enforcement of the law in the state. The condemnation follows protests in Sapele over allegations of police brutality and the operation of illegal police facilities.

In a statement released on Monday in Asaba, TIB said the protests were sparked by reports of “police brutality, unlawful deployment of officers for private purposes, and the operation of illegal police structures allegedly linked to the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Delta State Governor, Mr. Sunday Okeke Wankego.”

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, had directed that all parties involved report to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba, on Monday, December 22, 2025, for investigation. However, TIB claims that the process has further raised public concern.

According to TIB, the victim who initially filed the complaint was instructed to report to Sapele Police Division, only to be told that the SSA, accused of assault with the support of armed officers, was unavailable. Directed to travel to SCID Asaba, the complainant was reportedly detained upon arrival while the SSA remained unreachable.

TIB described this as a “disturbing case of oppression and secondary victimisation,” pointing out that the victim was penalized despite following police instructions, while the principal suspect remained beyond accountability.

The movement alleged that this incident highlights selective enforcement influenced by politically connected individuals rather than adherence to rule of law and presidential directives. TIB called for a “thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” stressing that allegations of unlawful detention, misuse of police for private purposes, and illegal facilities in Sapele, if proven, amount to serious human rights violations.

TIB also referenced a presidential directive mandating the withdrawal of police officers from personal or political attachments, emphasizing that citizens requiring protection should rely on the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), not the police.

The protests erupted on December 19, 2025, after armed security personnel allegedly intervened in a civil dispute, causing panic among residents. TIB said spontaneous demonstrations followed, with youths and residents demanding accountability and the withdrawal of police from private attachments.

The movement urged the Delta State Police Command to ensure a credible investigation, release any unlawfully detained individuals, and hold accountable anyone found to have acted outside the law. TIB warned that failure to act decisively could further erode public trust in law enforcement.