The Nigerian Police have invited prominent Itsekiri chiefs and leaders for questioning following renewed tension in the Ugborodo community over the killing of an indigene, Emiko Onuwaje, on December 20, 2025.
The invitations were issued by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 5, Benin City, AIG Salman Dogo Garba, as part of investigations into alleged conspiracy, murder, arson and incitement of communal violence linked to a lingering youth leadership dispute in Ogidigben, a neighbouring riverine community.
Those invited to appear before the police on Wednesday, January 14, include Chief Ayirimi Emami; Hon. (Chief) Thomas Ereyitomi; Chief Oma Eyewuoma, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom; Chief Eugene Ikomi, Secretary of the Warri Traditional Council; and Chief John Okpeyor Daje, alongside 13 other individuals.
Police letters sighted indicated that Chief Emami and Hon. (Chief) Ereyitomi were summoned in connection with allegations of conspiracy, arson, inciting communal conflict and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, and were directed to report at 10:00 a.m. on the scheduled date.
In separate invitations, Chief Eyewuoma and Chief Ikomi were asked to appear for questioning over alleged threats to life and actions capable of breaching public peace. Chief Daje, a recently installed chief in Warri Kingdom, was invited over allegations bordering on conspiracy, murder, arson and incitement of communal violence.
Chief Daje was also instructed to present 13 other persons, including Sheriff Erewa, Jonathan Omatseye, Bubemi Kuku, Dere Touyo, Toju Shaba, Humphry Iyonsi, Ogbe Kuku, Ernest Makun, Elvis Iyonsi, Harriman Madamedon, Kelvin Makun (Kimini), Jolomi Eyinoloma and Weyemi Mawe, for interrogation.
The police action comes amid heightened tension across Itsekiri communities following the killing of Onuwaje in Ogidigben, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage in Ugborodo.
At the weekend, leaders of the Ugborodo community held a press conference demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of all suspects linked to the murder, warning that failure to ensure justice could further destabilise the already fragile peace in the area.
