Delta Police Debunk Report Of Death In Custody At Ekpan Station

The Delta State Police Command has dismissed a viral social media report alleging that a suspect died in custody at Ekpan Police Station, describing the claim as false and misleading.

The Command, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the allegation was baseless and aimed at undermining ongoing efforts to tackle crime in the state.

Naija News reports that the police were reacting to a post circulated by a self-acclaimed activist, Israel Joe, which alleged that “one of the innocent sick persons arrested… has reportedly died in Ekpan police custody,” while also calling for protests and the redeployment of the officer in charge of operations.

However, the Command firmly denied the allegation.

“At no time did any suspect die in Police custody in Ekpan or any part of the state, as claimed,” the statement read, adding that “no casualty was recorded.”

Edafe described the report as “completely unfounded and an attempt to undermine the effort the command is putting to reduce crime in the state.”

Providing context, the Command explained that the claim stemmed from a recent coordinated operation carried out across parts of the state.

According to the statement, the raid, conducted on March 25 and 26, 2026, was led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The operation targeted criminal hideouts in Ughelli and Warri and resulted in the arrest of over 270 suspects, including suspected drug traffickers and wanted cultists.

The police added that large quantities of illicit drugs were also recovered during the exercise.

The Command further clarified that all arrested persons were duly screened.

It noted that individuals found not culpable had been released, while others remain in custody.

“All suspects were screened, with those not found wanting released, while others remain in custody in good condition,” the statement added.

The police described the circulation of the report as reckless and capable of misleading the public, warning that such actions could erode trust in law enforcement.

It cautioned that individuals spreading false information would be investigated and prosecuted in line with the law.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

Residents were urged to disregard the viral report and rely only on official communication channels for accurate and credible information.