Niger Delta Youths File N500bn Lawsuit Against Tompolo, Tantita Security, Over Unlawful Detention

Nine youths from the Niger Delta region have taken legal action against former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, and his company, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, accusing them of illegal arrests, detention, and forced labour.

The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, demands N500 billion in damages for alleged violations of their fundamental rights. The plaintiffs have named several individuals and entities, including Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Mathew Tonlagha, Godfrey Pondi, Kestin Pondi, Simeon Bebenimibo, Joshua Macaiver, Komieyefa Uduboh; Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL); the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services (DSS); and other entities.

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The youths, led by Peter Zebulon, claim that at various times they were unlawfully detained by Tantita Security operatives, which they argue infringed upon their constitutional right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution.

The plaintiffs allege that an illegal detention facility is operating in the region, where individuals are detained against their will and subjected to forced labour. They are requesting 17 declarations and orders from the court, including a ruling that their arrests and prolonged detentions violated their constitutional rights.

The lawsuit further demands the immediate release of individuals currently detained in what the plaintiffs describe as illegal facilities in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State. Among those reportedly detained is Charles Korubo, whose immediate release is being sought, as well as Chief Priest Karowei Bala.

Additionally, the plaintiffs are calling for an injunction preventing Tompolo and Otuaro from carrying out any further unlawful arrests or detentions that violate individuals’ rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, and freedom of movement.

The case also seeks to prevent the government from releasing funds to Tompolo and Otuaro under any projects linked to Tantita Security or similar initiatives.

This legal action highlights growing concerns surrounding Tantita Security Services, which has been involved in anti-oil theft operations and security surveillance in the Niger Delta region.