Controversy, Tension Trail Death of SOS Vigilante Leader, Liberty

Controversy and tension have continued to trail the death of Liberty Kunu, leader of a local vigilante group known as SOS, who died during a police operation in Sapele, Delta State, Thursday.

Kunu, a former cult member turned anti-cult operative, was arrested over alleged kidnapping and armed robbery.

Police say he sustained fatal gunshot injuries during a gun battle, while leading officers to recover an AK-47 rifle at a forest hideout in Ibada-Elume community.

However, community sources have disputed the police account, alleging that Kunu was extra-judicially killed on the orders of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Sapele Police Station.

Before his death, Kunu and his team reportedly worked with the police in combating crime in Sapele, though his activities were also clouded by allegations of extortion.

A member of the Delta State Community Policing Committee, Comrade Efemena Umukoro, alleged that Kunu was deliberately silenced after arresting a notorious cult figure known as “Rolex.”

In series of videos and Facebook posts, he called for an independent investigation and expressed concern for his own safety.

Meanwhile, tension is reportedly rising in Sapele, with threats of reprisal attacks by unidentified youths.

The Delta State Police Command, through a statement by the Commissioner, Aina Adesola, denied any wrongdoing, insisting Kunu died from injuries sustained during a lawful operation, adding that investigations are ongoing.