The Otulu-Ogwashi-Uku community in Delta State has raised serious allegations against a police officer, ASP Dan Musa, accusing him of abuse of office, aiding criminals, and contributing to a deteriorating security situation in the area.
The community claims that ASP Musa, attached to the IGP Monitoring Unit, has been actively collaborating with a wanted fugitive, Mr. Francis Oduwanor, to carry out unlawful activities, including attacks on local residents.
In a petition addressed to the Nigerian Police Service Commission which our reporter reviewed, the community detailed a recent incident in which ASP Musa led an armed invasion of Otulu-Ogwashi-Uku, accompanied by Oduwanor and a group of suspected cultists.
The group reportedly targeted the home of the community’s traditional chief, Mr. Anthony Enurah, a respected elder who was forcibly arrested and held for several days.
The community alleged that while Enurah was detained, Oduwanor and his associates looted his home, subjected his wife to a brutal assault, and have continued to terrorize the area.
Eyewitnesses claim that when local police from Ogwashi-Uku responded to calls for help, they were attacked by Oduwanor’s gang, despite the presence of the officers.
Some of the thugs were arrested and taken to the police headquarters in Asaba, but were reportedly released shortly afterward on the orders of ASP Musa, further escalating fears of a breakdown in law and order.
“Our community has been living in fear since this incident,” a resident stated.
“People are being forced out of their homes, their belongings taken at gunpoint, and we feel completely abandoned by the authorities who are supposed to protect us.”
The community has also revealed that Mr. Oduwanor, who has been declared wanted by the Inspector General of Police, continues to evade justice despite multiple arrest warrants issued against him for crimes including firearms offenses, attempted murder, murder, and armed robbery.
The Delta State Security Council had previously ordered his arrest, yet he remains free, allegedly under the protection of ASP Musa.
In a further alarming development, reports have surfaced that ASP Musa has requested the transfer of all police files relating to ongoing criminal cases involving Oduwanor’s associates.
These cases are currently being prosecuted at the Delta State High Court.
The Otulu-Ogwashi-Uku community fears that transferring these case files to ASP Musa could cripple the legal process and obstruct justice, further entrenching lawlessness in the region.
Community leaders are now calling for urgent intervention from the Nigerian Police Service Commission, the National Security Adviser and Inspector General of Police to prevent the situation from escalating into full-scale violence.
They have expressed deep concern that unless swift action is taken, the current unrest could spiral out of control, with potentially deadly consequences.
“We are pleading for justice,” another resident said.
“If this continues, we fear bloodshed. We need the authorities to step in and stop this lawlessness before it is too late.”
The Nigerian Police Service Commission is yet to respond to the petition or provide an update on any investigations into the allegations against ASP Musa. The community, however, remains resolute in its demand for accountability and the restoration of peace and security in Otulu-Ogwashi-Uku.