…Describes DSS/EFCC Actions As Assault On Rule Of Law
By Ken Asinobi
The Okparauku of Orogun Kingdom in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State has issued a strong public condemnation of what he describes as the “unlawful arrest and continued detention” of an Orogun-born legal practitioner, Barrister Moses Oddiri, by the Department of State Services (DSS), reportedly acting on the instruction of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a press statement released from the Orogun Royal Palace on Friday, the monarch said Oddiri has been held without trial since November 10, 2025—an action he insists violates the nation’s constitutional guarantees of due process, legal representation, and personal liberty.
Speaking with evident concern, the monarch whose statement was read by the traditional Prime Minister of Orogun Kingdom, said Oddiri, widely respected for his advocacy for vulnerable groups, deserves the same protections every Nigerian is entitled to under the law.
“We cannot stand idle while one of our own is subjected to treatment that undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and constitutional rights,” he said.
The traditional ruler described the arrest as “sudden and unexplained,” raising what he called “profound concerns” about the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He warned that the continued silence of the detaining authorities risks eroding public trust in agencies charged with enforcing justice.
According to the statement, the Orogun Kingdom is demanding that relevant security and anti-graft agencies immediately disclose the allegations on which Oddiri is being held.
The monarch further insisted that the detainee be granted unrestricted access to legal counsel and medical care.
“Justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done,” the monarch declared, vowing that the kingdom would exhaust every lawful avenue to ensure accountability.
The Okparauku also used the opportunity to highlight longstanding grievances of the Orogun people, urging the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities to investigate what he described as “systemic injustices,” including unpaid royalties due to host communities.
He argued that these issues form part of the broader context of marginalization the kingdom has endured.
In a call for wider advocacy, the monarch appealed to civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association, and international human-rights observers to take immediate interest in Oddiri’s case.
He said their involvement is crucial to preventing abuses of state power and safeguarding democratic freedoms.
The Okparauku, however, urged all sons and daughters of Orogun—both at home and abroad—to remain calm and vigilant, stressing that their unity is essential as the matter unfolds
As the days stretch beyond a month since Oddiri’s arrest, pressure is mounting on security agencies to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding his detention and to demonstrate compliance with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on arrest and trial procedures.
Other community leaders who spoke to journalists include: Crown Prince of Orogun Kingdom, Imogene Dominic who expressed concerns about the lack of royalties received from the oil companies operating in Orogun and highlighted the plight of one of their own, Moses Oddiri, who has been arrested for advocating for the release of those funds.
The Crown Prince strongly urged Oddiri’s immediate release, emphasizing that his fight is for the benefit of the people.
Furthermore, he called upon the Senate to intervene in the matter and expressed hopes for collaboration with the relevant committees to address issues related to oil and gas, while asserting the ongoing need for recognition and support from those in power.
Woman Leader of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Princess Cecilia Kaine, passionately addressed the community’s concerns about financial mismanagement and leadership.
She emphasized the importance of returning the community’s resources to ensure the prosperity of Orogun, stating, “We do not want to be misled by those who claim to be seers but only seek to benefit themselves.”
Cecilia highlighted the need for unity and support among the people, urging them to work together for the good of Orogun kingdom.
She passionately called on leaders to prioritize the community’s welfare and warned against the dangers of corruption, asserting that the future of Orogun hinges on responsible governance and the shared responsibility of its citizens.
The Youth President of Orogun Kingdom, Comrade Bodmas Ogbagene expressed deep concern over the lack of benefits the community is receiving from ongoing issues affecting them.
He highlighted that Moses Oddiri their leader, is currently detained by the DS, creating unrest among the youth.
Ogbagene affirmed their unwavering support for Musisotiri, whom they see as a brother and a vital advocate for justice in their kingdom.
He urged the government to listen to their pleas and work towards the release of Oddiri, emphasizing that doing so would restore peace and allow their community to thrive.
The youth are united in their demand for justice and hope for a favorable resolution.
Secretary of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Benson Okiriga Osukpa Chief Osukpa expressed concern over the ongoing situation in Orogun, highlighting the arrest and continued detention of Moses Oddiri.
He emphasized that this arrest has negatively impacted the community’s stability and called for his immediate release to restore peace in the community.
Chief Osukpa urged the government to take action to facilitate this resolution, reflecting the sentiments of his community who are eager for a return to tranquility.
Comrade Victor Akpobor, a stakeholder from Orogun, expressed deep frustration over the lack of benefits from oil exploration in their community.
He highlighted that companies like Heritage Oil have failed to fulfill their social responsibilities, leaving Orogun without essential development, scholarships, or visible impacts despite years of oil extraction.
Akpobor detailed ongoing efforts to uncover the whereabouts of oil royalties that should support community growth, mentioning petitions filed with the EFCC and recent concerns regarding the detention of activist Moses Odirri.
He called for intervention from various authorities, including the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas, emphasizing the need for accountability and the release of oil revenues for Orogun development.
Akpobor warned that while the people of Orogun prefer peaceful resolutions, they are prepared to take significant action if their demands are not met, signaling a potential escalation in their struggle for justice. The DSS and EFCC have yet to issue any public explanation for the detention.
