Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested Delta-born journalist and Niger Delta activist, Iteveh Nur’ Ekpokpobe, in Abuja over allegations of cyberbullying reportedly connected to his anti-corruption advocacy.
Ekpokpobe and his lawyer, Onyishi Chukwuemeka, were said to have been arrested on February 4 in the Federal Capital Territory. Sources familiar with the matter claim the arrest followed complaints allegedly linked to the recently removed Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe.
An associate of the activist, who spoke anonymously, suggested the development may be connected to Ekpokpobe’s role in organising anti-corruption protests and coordinating a coalition of civil society organisations that had called for an investigation into the NUPRC.
The source noted that Ekpokpobe had previously led campaigns against alleged corruption involving public officials both within and outside Abuja, adding that the recent calls for a probe of the oil regulatory agency intensified scrutiny around the commission.
According to the coalition, allegations raised against the former NUPRC leadership included claims of regulatory abuse, asset misrepresentation, and alleged revenue concealment within the oil and gas sector.
The group also claimed that certain oil mining leases and prospecting licences were misrepresented, potentially leading to significant revenue losses for the country. These allegations, however, remain unproven.
Family members and associates of the journalist have condemned the arrest, describing it as unlawful and calling for his immediate release.
They also expressed concern over reports that he has been held without access to his lawyers or family members since his arrest.
As of the time of filing this report, the DSS had not issued an official statement clarifying the circumstances of the arrest or specifying any formal charges.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over cyberbullying allegations, due process, and the rights of activists involved in anti-corruption advocacy in Nigeria.
