Outrage as Family Alleges Unlawful Detention of Bayelsa Man, Claims Police Demanded ₦300,000 for Bail
Outrage as Family Alleges Unlawful Detention of Bayelsa Man, Claims Police Demanded ₦300,000 for Bail
The family of Mr. Ebi Matthew of Diebu Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State has accused the Nigeria Police Force of unlawfully detaining their relative beyond the constitutionally prescribed period, alleging extortion, intimidation, torture, and violations of his fundamental human rights.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Timothy Matthew, the elder brother of the detained Mr. Ebi Matthew, alleged that his brother was arrested on June 17, 2026, at the premises of the Bayelsa State High Court, Oporoma Division in Yenagoa, where an ongoing civil matter involving the Diebu Community Development Committee (CDC) leadership dispute was scheduled for hearing.
According to him, the case, presided over by Justice Christine Kombo-Engesi, could not proceed because the judge was reportedly absent due to health challenges, prompting the court to adjourn the matter and inform the parties that a new hearing date would be communicated.
Mr. Timothy alleged that shortly after leaving the court premises, police officers attached to the Opolo Area Command arrested Mr. Matthew and took him into custody without informing him of any offence or presenting an arrest warrant.
He further claimed that Mr. Matthew has remained in detention since June 17 without being formally charged before any court of competent jurisdiction or granted administrative bail. The family also accused the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), identified as Debekeme Gabriel, and the leadership of the Opolo Area Command in Yenagoa of unlawful and prolonged detention, refusal to grant bail, and failure to disclose the legal basis for the arrest.
According to the family, police officers allegedly demanded the sum of ₦300,000 before granting Mr. Matthew bail, describing the alleged demand as illegal and exploitative.
They argued that bail is constitutionally free under Nigerian law and should not be subject to monetary demands.
The family further alleged that Mr. Matthew has been subjected to intimidation, threats, and torture while in detention, resulting in a deterioration of his health. They also claimed that the Investigating Police Officer contacted family members requesting money to purchase medication for the detainee.
The allegations have raised concerns among the family regarding the legality of the continued detention and Mr. Matthew’s welfare while in police custody. Mr. Timothy maintained that the dispute leading to the court proceedings is a civil matter involving Mr. Ebi Matthew and Mr. Prosper, among others, over the leadership of the Diebu Community Development Committee.
The family said they are considering legal action against the officers involved, insisting that those responsible should be held accountable for any harm suffered by the detainee.
They called on the Bayelsa State Government, the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations, and other relevant authorities to urgently investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served.
Among their demands are the immediate release of Mr. Ebi Matthew, an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his arrest and detention, and sanctions against any officers found to have violated his constitutional rights.
As of the time of filing this report, the Bayelsa State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations.
