Police Invite Delta Activist Over Alleged Terrorism, Attempted Murder

Human rights activist and founder of Behind Bars Human Rights and Safe City Volunteer Foundation, Harrison Gwamnishu, has disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State invited him for questioning over allegations including attempted murder, incitement to engage in terrorism and obstruction.

Naija News reports that a police invitation letter dated June 1 directed him to appear before the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department through the Officer-in-Charge of Homicide at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba on June 4.

Reacting in a Facebook post on Monday, Gwamnishu said he was shocked by the allegations contained in the police invitation.

“I returned from court for Oghenemine’s case and the Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command, sent me Happy New Letter,” he wrote.

“Case of Attempted Murder, incitement to engage in Terrorism.”

He further alleged that the police command had been plotting against him.

“I wish to inform everyone that Delta State Police Command have nothing on me and they have been planning massively against me,” he stated.

In a separate video posted online, which he said was recorded before receiving the invitation, the activist claimed several individuals had warned him about attempts to implicate him.

According to him, he had become concerned after repeatedly receiving information about alleged plans targeting him.

Gwamnishu denied involvement in any criminal activity and maintained that his public interventions were focused on exposing alleged abuses and supporting efforts to tackle insecurity.

The activist said his recent comments regarding the case of Oghenemine Ogidi, popularly known as Mene Ogidi, were intended to draw attention to concerns about police conduct.

“I only posted Oghenemine’s case for public awareness to end police brutality. That when a suspect is arrested, you don’t kill a suspect,” he said.

He also defended his frequent social media posts on kidnapping incidents and security challenges in Delta State.

“I am not taking the work of the police or the military. I am only assisting,” he added.

Gwamnishu said he feared he could be falsely implicated in a criminal matter and appealed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to grant him an audience.

“There is a plan on grounds against me,” he alleged.

The Delta State Police Command has yet to publicly disclose details of the allegations referenced in the invitation letter or explain how the activist is connected to the offences under investigation.

As of the time of filing this report, the command had not issued an official statement on the matter.

Gwamnishu is expected to appear before investigators in Asaba on Thursday.