A bail ruling for Niger Delta activist Owoupele Eneoriekumoh Owous was postponed after Magistrate Abdullahi Ahmed Ilelah of an Abuja court reportedly forgot the case file in his wife’s car.
A bail ruling for Niger Delta activist Owoupele Eneoriekumoh Owous was postponed after Magistrate Abdullahi Ahmed Ilelah of an Abuja court reportedly forgot the case file in his wife’s car. The court adjourned the matter to July 28, 2025.
Owous, detained since June 6, 2025, was arrested after a petition from Chief Dennis Otuaro, Special Adviser to the President on the Presidential Amnesty Programme. He is accused of defaming Otuaro and charged with conspiracy and character defamation.
Owous had alleged corruption, embezzlement, and fraud within the Amnesty Programme. His arrest followed efforts to demand transparency and increased stipends for ex-agitators. “Security operatives have blocked all attempts to access my client,” said his lawyer, Seprebofa Oyeghe.
Civil society groups, including the Niger Delta Concerned Youths for Change, protested Owous’ detention and accused Otuaro of mismanaging public funds. Despite serious allegations of financial misconduct and contract fraud, Owous remains in custody, raising concerns over civic space and whistleblower protection in Nigeria.