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CDHR Appeals To Delta CP For Thorough Profiling Of Suspects In Ughelli VCRU Assault Case
UGHELLI, DELTA STATE — The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Delta State Branch, has appealed to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, to ensure thorough profiling and investigation of suspects arrested in connection with the alleged assault on operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in Ughelli.
In a statement signed by its Delta State Chairman, Comr. Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen, and State Publicity Secretary, Comr. Nosa Overseey, the group said the incident occurred on October 1, 2026, at Okoroedafe area of Ughelli, where VCRU operatives on routine patrol allegedly encountered a group of suspected cultists at a burial ceremony.
The CDHR said the suspected cultists, believing that the police operatives had come for them, allegedly attacked the officers, resulting in the brutal assault of one of the policemen.
The human rights group condemned the alleged attack and called for those directly responsible to be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
However, the organisation raised concerns over the arrest of 24-year-old Master Gani Progress, an automobile electrician, in connection with the incident.
CDHR said information available to it indicated that the incident occurred at Okoroedafe, while Gani resides on Uloho Street, Ughelli, and was reportedly at work on the day of the incident.
The organisation alleged that Gani was arrested while asleep at his residence by men of the Delta State Command and transferred to Asaba the following day alongside other suspects.
According to the group, Gani is paternally Yoruba and maternally Isoko, from Igbide Community in Isoko North Local Government Area, and has no previous criminal record.
CDHR said it shared the grievance of the police over the alleged assault on its operatives but stressed that the protection of law enforcement officers should not come at the expense of the rights of innocent citizens.
“We have witnessed cases in the past where innocent citizens were remanded for offences they knew nothing about, while the real perpetrators walked free,” the group said.
It therefore appealed to CP Erale to ensure that all suspects in custody are subjected to thorough profiling and investigation before any further legal action is taken against them.
The organisation specifically urged that no suspect should be arraigned or remanded on holding charges without credible evidence linking the individual to the alleged offence.
CDHR said the case of Gani should serve as a test of due process and fairness, stressing that while the police deserved justice over the alleged attack, every Nigerian also deserved justice and protection under the law.
“The Police must get justice. But justice must also be done to every Nigerian,” the group said.