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Group writes open letter to Tinubu, NSA, DSS, Police, International Community, Accuses Remi Tinubu, Dazi Danjuma of Interference, manipulations
An advocacy group under the auspices of Niger Delta Watchmen has written an open letter to the president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser, NSA, the Department of Security Services, Nigerians and the international community, expressing fears of possible coverup or moves to bury under carpet, the gun trafficking trial of COLLINS EDEMA, MAJOR MICA POLO AND OTHERS, where the Olu of Warri was accused of aiding and abating.
This was contained in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr Kelvin Kevwe, and Workman J. Sylvester
Secretary, which was earlier published in some online media platforms on Sunday.
The group raised serious fears over growing concerns about the increasing collusion and corruption that were enabling criminal elements to thrive within our borders, emphasising that the situation is now critical, with arms smugglers, militia recruiters and political elites working together to destabilize the region, all under the protection of powerful figures within Nigeria’s security agencies.
The open letter also copied, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Directorate of State Security (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force and the International Community.
The Niger Delta advocates further accused DSS officials for allegedly receiving bribes amounting to 5 million USD, noting that the bribes were allegedly exchanged between DSS officials, Lawyers and the chief judge overseeing the case to ensure the release of Major Mica Polo, a known arms dealer, without proper investigation and prosecution, adding that the bribes were allegedly facilitated by Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma, both prominent Itsekiri elites, who had used their political influence to secure the release of arms dealers and militia trainers.
However, the Niger Delta Watchmen had demanded that the Federal Government, the NSA, and the Nigerian Police should take immediate action to investigate the criminal networks of Collins Edema, Fatty and Major Mica Polo and prosecute and proffer jails terms on them, citing that their actions were endangering the stability of the region and their corrupt influence must be eradicated.
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AN OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, NSA, DSS, NIGERIANS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ON PLOT TO BURY THE GUN TRAFFICKING TRIAL OF COLLINS EDEMA, MAJOR MICA POLO AND OTHERS
Date: July 16, 2025
Sir,
THE DANGEROUS COLLUSION AND IMPUNITY IN ARMS SMUGGLING AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES OF COLLINS EDEMA, MAJOR MICA POLO, OTHERS
We, the Niger Delta Watchmen, write with a heavy heart and growing concern about the increasing collusion and corruption that is enabling criminal elements to thrive within our borders. The situation is now critical, with arms smugglers, militia recruiters and political elites working together to destabilize the region, all under the protection of powerful figures within Nigeria’s security agencies.
THE DANGEROUS COLLUSION WITHIN SECURITY AGENCIES
At the centre of this criminal network is Collins Edema, the Director of AIM for the Olu of Warri, who has allegedly been instrumental in orchestrating arms smuggling and the training of criminal militia. His associates, Fatty and Major Mica Polo, have been training Itsekiri youth in armed combat and military tactics, preparing them for militant insurgency and further destabilization in Warri and beyond.
THE DSS RAID IN EBUZO ASABA AND THE COVER-UP
It was alleged that, in a recent DSS raid on Ebuzo Asaba, Collins Edema’s boys were captured while attempting to smuggle arms. They were found in possession of 57 AK-47 rifles, 6 pump action guns and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. During their detention, they confessed to the involvement of the Olu of Warri, Collins Edema, Major Mica Polo and Fatty in arms trafficking and militia training. It is crucial to note that when the DSS conducted this raid to capture the supplier of the illicit arms, a gun battle erupted between the DSS and the police, resulting in the tragic death of one policeman.
This is where the Delta State Commissioner of Police must be held accountable. Nigerians deserve to know the full story behind this incident and why it was hidden under the carpet. The Commissioner of Police must come forward and provide a transparent explanation to the Nigerian public. This was not just a simple clash between agencies, it was a cover-up of criminal activities, which must not be swept under the rug.
THE MILITARY INTERVENTION AND PRESSURE FROM POLITICAL ELITES
It has also come to light that after Collins Edema’s boys were arrested during the DSS raid, a top military officer intervened and ordered their release through the Director of DSS. This release was directly influenced by Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma, who used their political connections and power to pressure the military into freeing these individuals, despite their direct involvement in arms smuggling and militia training. The law is explicit, the crime of gun trafficking or smuggling is not a bailable offense in Nigeria Context. It is an act of terrorism and such offenders are expected to serve jail terms. This act of political interference highlights the extent to which criminal activities are being shielded by powerful figures within the country.
THE ROLE OF POLITICAL ELITES AND THE BRIBERY NETWORK
It is also disturbing to reveal that Major Mica Polo, a notorious arms dealer, was released from custody after DSS officials allegedly received bribes amounting to 5 million USD, bribes was allegedly exchanged between DSS officials, Lawyers and the chief judge overseeing the case to ensure that Major Mica Polo, a known arms dealer, was released without proper investigation and prosecution. This bribe was reportedly facilitated by Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma, both prominent Itsekiri elites, who have used their political influence to secure the release of arms dealers and militia trainers.
This transaction further implicates the DSS, which has been complicit in protecting these criminals, including The Olu of Warri, Collins Edema, Major Mica Polo and Fatty. It is also alleged that one DSS official, who oversees assigning agents to sensitive operations, was directly involved in enabling these illegal activities, all while his family resides abroad.
The ongoing protection of these criminals, under the guise of ethnic loyalty and political maneuvering, threatens to tear apart the fabric of our nation.
THE OLU OF WARRI’S COMPLICITY AND THE IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES
As Collins Edema’s operations continue to spread fear and violence in the Niger Delta, the Olu of Warri and his associates stand accused of not just shielding arms smugglers, but also of stoking ethnic division for personal gain. Fatty, who has been linked to the burning of Odion community over the delineation issue, is yet another example of how these individuals are using violence to suppress peaceful communities and hold onto power.
Major Mica Polo, known for training Itsekiri youth in armed violence and Collins Edema, who oversees the militia’s arms supply, are fueling the unrest in the region, furthering their own political ambitions at the expense of innocent lives.
A SHAMEFUL ATTEMPT TO CIRCUMVENT THE LAW: THE CASE OF AYIRI EMAMI’S BROTHER
It is shameful to witness how our country has descended into a corrupt quagmire. This same network of political elites is now attempting to use their power to secure the release of Ayiri Emami’s younger brother, who was caught with hard drugs and should be held accountable for his actions. The same pattern of bribery, political manipulation and abuse of power is playing out once again, with Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma allegedly pushing for his release from custody using the same corrupt processes they used to free Major Mica Polo.
What is becoming clear is that in Nigeria today, the law means nothing when the powerful few manipulate it for their gain. This is the reality we face, a nation where crime is rewarded and those who uphold the law are crushed by the weight of political power.
A CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF POWER
We are calling on the Federal Government to immediately call Remi Tinubu and Dazi Danjuma to order. These influential individuals must be held accountable for their actions and urged to use their political power responsibly and positively. They should not continue to use their influence to facilitate corruption, bribery or the undermining of the law. While the world is watching, it is crucial that Nigerian leaders demonstrate their commitment to good governance, justice and integrity, and refrain from perpetuating practices that harm the country’s stability.
THE CALL FOR JUSTICE AND TRANSPARENCY
We, the Niger Delta Watchmen, demand that the Federal Government, the NSA, and the Nigerian Police take immediate action to investigate the criminal networks of Collins Edema, Fatty and Major Mica Polo. Their actions are endangering the stability of the region and their corrupt influence must be eradicated.
We also call for an independent investigation into the role of the DSS and the Delta State Commissioner of Police in these events, including the cover-up of the gunfire exchange and the bribery that facilitated the release of dangerous criminals.
Furthermore, we demand that the international community take a stand against the corruption and manipulation of power in Nigeria, which has allowed criminal elements to thrive unchecked. The rule of law must prevail and it must not be subverted by the political and economic elites who view the law as a tool for their own benefit.
We are not blind to the dangers these criminals pose. We are not powerless in the face of this corruption. And we will not remain silent while Nigeria is held hostage by bribery, political manipulation, and criminal activity.
Signed,
Kelvin Kevwe
(Chairman)
Workman J. Sylvester
(Secretary)
Niger Delta WatchmenCC
The Federal Government of Nigeria
The National Security Adviser (NSA)
The Directorate of State Security (DSS)
The Nigerian Police Force
The International Community
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — IduwiniVoice Media Limited has lauded the leadership of Prof. Benjamin Okaba, outgoing President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC), for overseeing what it described as a historic and credible electoral process, with particular emphasis on the successful deployment of a fully electronic voting system.
In a congratulatory message signed by its Chief Executive Officer/Editor-in-Chief, Prince (Dr.) Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, the media organisation commended Okaba for demonstrating “leadership, intellectual capacity and sagacity” throughout his tenure, noting that his insistence on conducting elections ahead of the constitutional deadline preserved the integrity of the council.
The statement stressed that the decision to avoid any form of interim or ad-hoc leadership structure “saved the Ijaw nation from a familiar pitfall that could have weakened its governance framework,” describing the move as a bold commitment to democratic principles.
Of particular significance, the organisation highlighted the introduction and execution of a fully electronic voting system, which it said marked a turning point in the conduct of internal elections within the Ijaw nation.
According to IduwiniVoice, Okaba’s “provision of necessary resources for the deployment of a totally electronic voting system is astutely exemplary,” adding that the process ensured transparency, efficiency, and credibility throughout the April 13, 2026 elections.
The media outfit further noted that the seamless conduct of the poll, characterized by real-time voting and result transmission, has set a new benchmark not only for socio-cultural organisations but also for national electoral bodies. It described the innovation as “a credible lesson” for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging that such technology be scaled up and replicated in Nigeria’s general elections to enhance public trust and electoral integrity.
IduwiniVoice also used the opportunity to commend the peaceful transition process initiated by the outgoing leadership, noting that Okaba’s readiness to hand over power to a successor reflects a rare commitment to democratic values in a region where leadership continuity is often contested.
The statement added that, “in a world where privileged individuals often cling to power, Prof. Okaba has once again demonstrated that greed, selfishness, and sit-tight tendencies are not reflective of the true character of an Ijaw son.”
As the INC prepares for a new phase under incoming leadership, the organisation wished the outgoing president a smooth transition and success in his future endeavours, applauding his “true patriotism and unwavering service to the Ijaw nation.”
The April 13 election, widely regarded as one of the most technologically driven in the history of the INC, has continued to attract commendation from stakeholders across the Niger Delta, with observers citing the electronic voting model as a pathway for broader electoral reforms in Nigeria.
By Charity Ebi
The emergence of Chief (Amb.) Sheriff Mulade as National Treasurer of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) has been described as a strong endorsement of accountability and reform within the apex Ijaw socio-cultural body.
Reacting to the outcome of the April 13, 2026 national elections, the Ijaw Publishers Forum (IPF) said Mulade’s victory reflects the trust reposed in him by delegates across the region, citing his long-standing advocacy for peace, environmental justice, and good governance.
In a statement issued by its President, Comrade Ozobo Austin, the forum noted that the election outcome demonstrates a collective desire among Ijaw stakeholders for transparent financial leadership at a time when the INC is expected to reposition itself for greater impact.
Mulade, who is also the National President of the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), clinched the treasurer position after a keen contest that attracted widespread interest within the Niger Delta. His emergence, according to observers, signals a shift toward experienced leadership with a proven record in community engagement and advocacy.
The IPF emphasised that the new treasurer’s reputation for prudence and integrity places him in a strategic position to strengthen financial discipline within the congress. The forum added that effective management of resources would be critical in enabling the INC to meet its objectives and respond to the evolving needs of the Ijaw people.
It further urged stakeholders, including leaders, youths, and affiliated groups, to rally support for the newly elected executives to ensure stability and continuity in the organisation’s programmes.
Analysts view Mulade’s election as a defining moment for the INC, expressing optimism that his leadership in the treasury will contribute to improved transparency and institutional growth.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote unity, development, and responsible leadership across Ijawland, while wishing the new treasurer a productive tenure.
By Favour Bibaikefie
YENAGOA — The Ijaw Publishers’ Forum (IPF) has congratulated High Chief Barr. MacDonald Ebi Igbadiwei on his emergence as President-elect of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) following the April 13, 2026 election held at Ijaw House in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
In a statement released on Monday, the National President of IPF, Ozobo Austin, described Igbadiwei’s victory as a significant turning point for the Ijaw nation, noting that the outcome reflects the collective will and aspirations of the people.
According to the Forum, the mandate given to the President-elect goes beyond electoral success, representing a deeper trust reposed in a leader believed to possess a clear understanding of the region’s historical struggles and the pathway to its progress.
“Igbadiwei rises from the very essence of our land. His emergence signals that the right leadership has taken charge at a critical time,” the statement noted, adding that the moment resonates strongly across Ijaw communities.
The IPF highlighted Igbadiwei’s experience, communication skills, and intellectual depth as qualities that position him to steer the affairs of the Ijaw nation effectively. It expressed confidence that his leadership would foster unity, strengthen communal identity, and advance the socio-political and economic interests of the people.
The Forum further urged the President-elect to remain guided by the collective aspirations of the Ijaw people, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership anchored on cultural values and shared responsibility.
Meanwhile, the IPF called on all aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders in the recently concluded election to set aside their differences in the interest of unity and progress. It described the contest as an internal democratic exercise that should not create lasting divisions among Ijaw people.
The Forum stressed that pressing challenges facing the region—including environmental concerns, development deficits, and political representation—require a united and coordinated approach.
It appealed to former contenders to contribute their ideas, experience, and support to the new leadership, noting that collective effort remains essential in advancing the Ijaw cause.
According to the IPF, history will favour those who prioritise the common good over personal ambition, urging all sons and daughters of Ijaw land to rally behind the new INC leadership in building a stronger and more prosperous future for the nation.