The family of Kenneth Ojobo, a resident of Okirighwere Community in Amukpe, Sapele, Delta State, has accused security authorities of protecting those allegedly responsible for his death.
Speaking to newsmen on Friday, the family claimed that witnesses have faced intimidation and efforts to suppress the case, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
They specifically alleged that the Force Criminal Department (FCD), reportedly led by DIG Margaret Ochalla, has concealed crucial details of the case.
The family further suggested that the investigation may have been compromised due to the involvement of politically connected individuals, including assertions linking a top Delta State political figure to the matter, though these claims have not been officially confirmed.
According to the statement, those connected to the killing have continued to threaten witnesses, warning them against returning to Delta State from Abuja, where some have reportedly relocated for safety.
“Witnesses are scared for their lives. They have been threatened and warned not to speak or return,” the family said.
They also alleged that one of the suspects, Joseph Eritobo, described as a political thug, remains at large despite the severity of the accusations against him.
The family called on the Inspector-General of Police to take over the investigation and ensure those responsible are apprehended and prosecuted. They warned that failure to act decisively could erode public trust in the police and further endanger individuals with relevant information.
“The killers of Kenneth Ojobo must be brought to justice. The Inspector-General must not allow his office to be dragged into disrepute,” the statement added.
Internal police documents obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday indicate that the Nigeria Police Force had, in November 2025, initiated action on a petition alleging terrorism, gun-running, and the killing of Kenneth Ojobo.
A police memo dated November 17, 2025, shows that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police directed the Force Intelligence Department (FID) to take necessary action following a formal complaint submitted through legal representatives.
The directive, issued from the Force Headquarters in Area 11, Garki, Abuja, and signed on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (FID), instructed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to act on the petition.
“Forward here with letter No. CB:7000/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.925/74 dated 12th November, 2025 received from the office of the Inspector-General of Police and its attachment on the above subject.
“The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Department (FID) directs you note for necessary action, please,” the memo partly reads.
The complaint, filed by Izikdave Chambers on behalf of Sunday Okoro, accused one Gabriel and one Eritobo, said to be on the run, along with unnamed accomplices, of orchestrating violent attacks on the community.
According to the petition dated October 31, 2025, the suspects allegedly carried out an attack on August 5, 2025, during which the community was “terrorised,” leaving Okoro injured and resulting in the death of Kenneth Ojobo.
The lawyers stated that their client narrowly escaped death but sustained serious injuries. They further alleged that the same group has continued to threaten residents, including specific threats against Okoro.
The petition also detailed a subsequent attempt on Okoro’s life days before it was filed, during which he again escaped but reportedly sustained injuries. Photographic evidence was said to have been attached.
The legal representatives expressed concern that earlier complaints to local police authorities yielded no results, alleging possible compromise due to familiarity between the suspects and officers in the area.
They warned that continued inaction could push their client toward self-help, which they described as both dangerous and avoidable.
It reads, “We are Solicitors to one Messers Sunday Okoro, a gentleman and a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria hereinafter referred to as our ‘Client’ and it is on his firm and unalloyed instructions that we write this letter of protest that needs urgent and immediate attention.
“Our client has informed us that on the 5th day of August 2025 the men listed above and their cohorts terrorized the whole Okrighwere Community in Amukpe Sapele, Delta State in which he sustained serious injuries and also led to the death of one Mr. Kenneth Ojobo.
“Our client who managed to survive the insurgence has also informed us that after the deceased was taken to the mug, the above listed men have continued to terrorize the whole community and have specifically threatened to assassinate him also without much ado.
“That of recent within last week, these same men have made another unsuccessful assassination attempt on our client, which he narrowly escaped but also sustained injuries.
“It is of important to note that our client has severally wrote (sic) to the Nigeria Police Force informing them of his predicament, but the said terrorist gang and their cohorts are already familiar with the officers in that locality and we strongly believe that this office will be able to handle the matter and apprehend the suspects with the view of bringing them to book.”
“In furtherance to the above paragraph, we think that in a civilized country like Nigeria this kind of lawlessness cannot be allowed to go unchecked and the only option left to our client is the confront them and we do not think that this option is the best and its consequences can only be imagined,” the letter adds.
The lawyers urged the police high command to urgently investigate the allegations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“Therefore, it is our strong believe that only your office can address this issue.
“We therefore implore you in the name of all that is good about the Nigeria Police Force to come and rescue our client and the people of Okirighwere Community in Sapele, Delta State. We count on your fullest cooperation in this regard,” the petition added.
Attempts by Newsmen to contact DIG Ochalla were unsuccessful, as calls to her mobile phone went unanswered.
