In a stunning turn of events, prominent Niger-Delta activist Owoupele Eneonekumoh, widely known as 'Owous,' found himself back in police custody just three days after his release from the Nigeria Correctional Centre. The dramatic re-arrest, which took place outside a Magistrate's Court, has sent shockwaves through activist circles and raised questions about the ongoing tensions between government officials and their critics.

Eyewitnesses report that Owous was apprehended by a team identifying themselves as officers of the Intelligence Response Team, moments after the court had discharged him following the withdrawal of charges by prosecutor O.S. Oyeyemi. This latest development comes after Owous had spent approximately two months in detention, having been initially arrested on June 6, 2025.

Sources close to the situation claim that the re-arrest was orchestrated at the behest of Dr. Dennis Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP). It's alleged that Otuaro has vowed to keep the activist "behind bars for 10 years," with plans reportedly underway to bring charges against Owous in the Federal High Court.

The roots of this legal saga trace back to Owous's role as Convener of the Reformed Niger-Delta Ex-Agitators Forum. In this capacity, he has been a vocal critic of the Amnesty Office, calling for greater transparency and exposing what he claims are instances of corruption, illegal contract awards, and embezzlement of funds within the agency.

The Forum, through its legal counsel, had previously filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against the PAP under Dr. Otuaro's leadership. The petition alleged numerous irregularities, including breaches of the Public Procurement Act, 2007, in awarding contracts to companies of questionable standing.

Among the specific allegations are claims of irregular contract descriptions, payments of public funds into personal accounts, and the improper awarding of 12 contracts worth over N713 million to a newly incorporated company.

Owous's initial arrest on June 6 followed a petition by Otuaro, leading to charges of criminal conspiracy and defamation of character. The activist had publicly accused the Amnesty Programme boss of corruption and illegal practices, demands that apparently struck a nerve with the administration.

The timing of Owous's arrests has raised eyebrows, coming shortly after he publicly called for increased transparency, accountability, and higher stipends for programme beneficiaries. His detention and subsequent re-arrest have sparked concerns among civil society groups, who view these actions as attempts to suppress criticism of the Amnesty Office.

As this legal drama unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between government officials and activists in the Niger-Delta region. With plans for further legal action looming, the case of Owoupele Eneonekumoh promises to remain a focal point in the broader debate over transparency, accountability, and freedom of speech in Nigeria's political landscape.