Controversy has erupted in Delta State following the killing of a vigilante leader in Sapele, with residents accusing the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area of complicity in the incident.
The leader of the SOS security vigilante group, identified as Liberty Kunu, was allegedly killed on Thursday under circumstances that have sparked public outrage in Sapele, the headquarters of Sapele Local Government Area.
Residents and sources familiar with the incident alleged that Kunu was killed on the directive of the DPO of Sapele Police Station, CSP Johnbull Obulowho.
They claimed that before his death, Kunu and members of his vigilante group had been working closely with the police to combat crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping in the area.
According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, Kunu had earlier been accused of cult-related activities but was nevertheless recognized by the police and often collaborated with them on security operations.
The source said trouble began after Kunu and his team arrested a suspected cultist identified as Jonathan Momoh.
While Kunu was reportedly travelling to Warri after the arrest, he was allegedly summoned back to Sapele by the DPO, detained on what residents described as “trumped-up charges,” and later transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Ughelli.
After investigations reportedly failed to establish wrongdoing, Kunu was returned to Sapele Police Station and was expected to be released on Thursday.
However, residents alleged that he was later shot dead by a police officer acting on the instructions of the DPO. They further claimed that the whereabouts of his body remained unknown as of the time of the incident.
Some residents alleged that Kunu’s killing was linked to his knowledge of alleged collusion between certain police officers and criminal elements in the area, a claim that has intensified calls for an independent investigation.
However, the Delta State Police Command has denied the allegations, presenting a different account of events.
In a statement titled Attack on Policemen/Death of Suspected Kidnapper, Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers and Recovery of Firearms, the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, said Kunu was a suspected kidnapper and cultist who led a criminal syndicate operating under the guise of a vigilante group.
According to the police, Kunu and his alleged gang were arrested following complaints of kidnapping, abduction and armed robbery.
The command claimed that during an operation on January 17, 2026, three persons were abducted in Sapele, with two victims allegedly robbed of valuables worth ₦9 million.
The police said investigations linked the crime to Kunu’s group, leading to the arrest of Kunu and several suspects, including Twale Golly, Michael Kunu, Israel Ugwu, Ogaga Power and Mercy Kunu.
Firearms including five pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol and other weapons were reportedly recovered.
The command further alleged that Kunu admitted being a member of the Aye confraternity and led operatives to a hideout at Ibada-Elume community on January 28, where an AK-47 rifle and a locally made revolver were recovered.
According to the police, while returning from the operation, officers were ambushed by suspected gang members, resulting in a gun duel during which Kunu and some officers sustained gunshot injuries.
Kunu was later confirmed dead at a hospital in Sapele, where his body was deposited.
The police said investigations were ongoing, while other suspects remained in custody.
Meanwhile, the conflicting accounts have heightened tension in Sapele, with residents demanding an independent probe into the circumstances surrounding Kunu’s death to establish the truth and restore public confidence.
