In a significant legal move, nine aggrieved youths from the Niger Delta region have filed a lawsuit against former militant leader High Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, popularly known as Tompolo, in the Federal High Court in Abuja. The plaintiffs allege illegal arrests, detention, extrajudicial killings, etc. carried out by operatives of Tantita Security Services, claiming violations of their constitutional rights.

Among the respondents named in the case are Mr. Mele kyari, GMD NNPCL, Mr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), and a number of individuals linked to Tantita Security Services, the NNPCL, Nigerian Police Force, and the Department of State Services.

Led by spokesperson Peter Zebulon, the plaintiffs assert that they were unlawfully detained by Tantita operatives in Delta State, contravening their right to life as guaranteed under Section 33 of the Nigerian Constitution. Their suit outlines 17 specific declarations, including calls for the court to recognize their arrests as a breach of their fundamental rights.

The plaintiffs also allege the existence of illegal detention cells where innocent individuals are confined and subjected to forced labor. They are demanding the immediate release of several detainees, including Charles Korubo and Chief Priest Karowei Bala, who are reportedly held in Oporoza, Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Furthermore, the youths are seeking a court injunction to prevent the respondents from interfering with their personal liberties and a restriction on the disbursement of funds under any purported projects linked to Tantita Services. They are also requesting a staggering N500 billion in damages for the violation of their rights. 

As the case unfolds, it highlights the ongoing struggles for justice and human rights within the Niger Delta community.