Asaba: Rights Group Petitions Police Over Alleged Assault, Unlawful Eviction By Landlord, Caretaker

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Oshimili South North Unit, Delta State, has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, over an alleged case of unlawful assault and forceful eviction of a tenant in Asaba by the Caretakers, Mr. Ebi Paul Osemekeh and his associates allegedly on instructions of the Landlord, Mr BENJAMIN C. NWOKOBIA.

In the petition dated October 27, 2025, and signed by the Unit Coordinator, Comrade Orusi Joseph, the rights group accused Mr. Ebi Paul Osemekeh of physically assaulting and threatening the petitioner, a resident of No. 24, Eze Akporube, off Okpanam Road, over a tenancy dispute.

According to the petition, the victim, Comrade Joseph, was allegedly attacked and prevented from accessing his rented apartment despite a subsisting tenancy arrangement.

The CDHR noted that the action of the landlord through his caretaker and his accomplices constituted a gross violation of the tenant’s fundamental human rights to dignity, fair hearing, and property ownership as guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution.

The rights group further alleged that the caretaker has continued to intimidate the tenant even after the matter instituted in Customary Court III, Asaba, was already seized of the case.

“We find it unacceptable that despite a pending court process, the complainant is still being harassed and prevented from entering his lawful residence,” the petition reads in part.

“This constitutes an affront to the rule of law and a deliberate attempt to act in Contempt of Court to obstruct justice.”

CDHR called on the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident and bring all persons involved to justice, including any security personnel who may have aided the alleged unlawful eviction.

The group also urged the police to ensure the safety of the victim and to compel the suspects to comply with lawful judicial processes rather than resorting to self-help and intimidation.

Comrade Joseph emphasized that the CDHR would continue to stand against all forms of oppression, intimidation, and abuse of power, calling for swift intervention to restore the victim’s rights and prevent further escalation of the matter.

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When contacted, sources at the Delta State Police Command confirmed receipt of the petition, which was duly acknowledged on October 27, 2025, and assured that investigations had commenced into the allegations.

Meanwhile, speaking to Oasis Magazine, Comrade Joseph said he was stopped from entering the compound by the caretaker, adding that the wife of the caretaker wielded a weapon during the incidence.

When contacted, the caretaker, refused to speak on the matter, saying: “the matter is under investigation at the Force Headquarters and if you need any information, call the FPRO.”