JUST IN: Niger Delta Group Kicks Against Planned Release Of Ayiri Emami’s Younger Brother Involved In Drugs Smuggling, Says His Release Will Be A Breach Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria -

By Esther David

INTRODUCTION:
LAW CANNOT BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER

The Niger Delta is watching closely. We refuse to stand by as the rule of law is tested by the unfolding criminal case involving Emami Ajetsibogho, younger brother of controversial Itsekiri figure Ayiri Emami, who is accused of smuggling hard drugs worth billions of naira into Nigeria.

This is no “minor offence” to be treated with administrative bail. It is a grave national security threat, striking at the very heart of what Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) declares to be the primary purpose of government “the security and welfare of the people.”

Any attempt to frustrate this prosecution will violate Section 15(5) of the Constitution, which commands the State to “abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”

FACTUAL BACKGROUND: DRUGS, GUNS AND POLITICAL PROTECTION

It is not a news anymore that hard drugs, suspected cocaine and methamphetamine were intercepted in connection with Emami Ajetsibogho.

Political and ethnic influence networks have been activated to derail prosecution and suppress media coverage.

The NDLEA Act (CAP N30, LFN 2004) prescribes life imprisonment for drug trafficking. The Firearms Act (CAP F28, LFN 2004) prescribes severe penalties, including capital punishment, for the importation of prohibited weapons.

Shielding such crimes with political connections will hollow out the principle in Section 17(1) of the Constitution that “the State’s social order is founded on ideals of Freedom, Equality and Justice.”

HISTORICAL LESSON: WAR, DRUGS AND THE WARRI CRISIS

The Niger Delta knows the cost of allowing guns, drugs and politics to mix.

Human Rights Watch documented that during the Warri Crisis (1997–2003), ethnic militias, including Itsekiri armed groups, burned Ijaw and Urhobo communities, displaced thousands and disrupted oil production.

Amnesty International reported how illicit funding and arms enabled militia leaders to hijack local governance and terrorise civilians.

If this criminal network is allowed to survive under state protection, we risk rekindling the same cycle of bloodshed, this time supercharged by deadlier weapons and harder drugs.

OUR DEMANDS: THE RULE OF LAW MUST PREVAIL

No Administrative Bail
This case must proceed directly from arrest to court and if conviction follows, to prison. Any attempt at administrative bail will be deemed a calculated obstruction of justice.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The NDLEA, DSS, Nigerian Police and Office of the National Security Adviser must jointly investigate, as mandated by Section 15(2) of the Constitution, that law enforcement be free from ethnic or political bias.
Public Prosecution & Asset Forfeiture
All proceeds of this crime must be seized under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, and the prosecution process must remain open to public scrutiny.
International Oversight
Notify the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), ECOWAS and the African Union to prevent political interference and ensure transparency.

FINAL WARNING: DELTA STATE WILL NOT BE A DRUG WAR ZONE

The Niger Delta will never allow itself to be turned into a narco-state where criminals use political power to poison our youth and arm our streets.

If this case is buried in backroom deals, we will mobilise peaceful mass protests and escalate our campaign to the international stage until justice is delivered.

As Edmund Burke warned:

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

We will not look away. We will not be silent.

SIGNED:
Dr, Williams Tamarapreye

Hon. David k. Okpoghene

Niger Delta Independent Advocacy

CC:

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Chairman, NDLEA

Inspector-General of Police

Director-General, DSS

Attorney-General of the Federation