Rights Group Accuses Delta Police of Aiding Land Grabbing

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has accused certain officers within the Delta State Police Command of being complicit in land grabbing activities across the state.

In a statement released in Warri and signed by its National President, Dr. Kehinde P. Taiga, the group expressed concern over what it described as the increasing involvement of law enforcement personnel in illegal land disputes, warning that such actions threaten public trust and undermine the rule of law.

The organisation questioned the alleged role of a senior police officer and called on the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, to step in and caution officers under his leadership.

CDHR specifically mentioned a Deputy Commissioner of Police, urging him to refrain from any association with land grabbers. Emphasising the duty of the force, Taiga stated, “The police are entrusted with the duty of protecting lives and property, not facilitating illegality and oppression.”

CDHR referenced a recent incident in Asaba where police officers reportedly confronted one another while backing opposing interests tied to land grabbing operations. The group described the clash as both “embarrassing and dangerous,” noting that it revealed a serious lapse in discipline and professionalism within the force.

The rights organisation cautioned that failure by police authorities to address the matter could lead to public action, including the mobilisation of over 5,000 youths for a peaceful protest against the Delta State Police Command.

However, police spokesperson Bright Edafe denied the allegations, maintaining that officers only intervene in situations where lives and property are at risk.