{"id":3376,"date":"2025-01-01T18:02:40","date_gmt":"2025-01-01T18:02:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/?p=3376"},"modified":"2025-01-01T18:20:51","modified_gmt":"2025-01-01T18:20:51","slug":"3376","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/01\/01\/3376\/","title":{"rendered":"Tradition: Worshippers Of Osuopele Deity In Delta Community Petitions IGP Over Destruction Of Worship Center, Demands For Prosecution Of Officers Involved In The Act"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>By Freeborn Abraye<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional worshipers of \u201cOsuopele Deity\u201d in Delta State have described the alleged invasion and destruction of its place of worship by a superintendent of police as a violation of its fundamental right to worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A socio-cultural group in Bayelsa State, the Izon Cultural Heritage Centre (ICHC), In a petition to the police authorities by its Legal Adviser, Wisdom, said the alleged arson and destruction of their spiritual place of worship, amounted to a breach of public peace, threat to life and breach of Police Code of conduct by a personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The cultural group said in adherence to their legal obligations as law-abiding citizens, the worshippers of \u201cOsuopele\u201d did not resort to self-help but opted to report the incident to the Nigeria Police Force..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ICHC petitions reads: \u201cWe hereby submit this petition to formally address the grievances resulting from acts perpetrated by Mr. Tamarauebi Elisha Owan, a Superintendent of the Nigeria Police Force, along with his associates and followers of the Great God Holy Tabernacle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOn December 20, 2024, at approximately 12:00 PM, Mr. Tamarauebi Elisha Owan, accompanied by the following individuals: Mr. Benjamin Oroso; Tony Edenbo; Mr. Aviba Akuna; and Mr. Chalington Owan, engaged in an unlawful act that resulted in the arson of our sacred worship site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis act constituted a willful destruction of property and a blatant act of arson against a place of worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDespite the peaceful attempts by worshippers of the Osuopele Temple to prevent this destruction, they were overpowered and assaulted by the aforementioned individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis aggression not only resulted in the demolition of the sacred worship site but also caused a significant breach of public peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe request urgent and appropriate actions from your office to investigate this matter thoroughly and ensure that justice prevails against the unlawful acts committed by the aforementioned individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe unlawful actions committed during this incident are in direct violation of the following provisions of the Criminal Code Act:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSection 443 criminalizes the willful setting of fire to structures, making any individual found guilty liable for life imprisonment. Section 444 criminalizes attempts to unlawfully set fire to properties as detailed in Section 443, punishable by up to fourteen years of imprisonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFurthermore, the actions of Mr. Tamarauebi Elisha Owan and his associates constitute a violation of the fundamental rights of the worshipers of the Osuopele Deity, as enshrined in Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As Amended). This section guarantees the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn light of the foregoing, we urge the Nigeria Police Force to undertake immediate investigation into these acts of arson and to take appropriate legal actions against Mr. Tamarauebi Elisha Owan, Mr. Benjamin Oroso, Tony Edenbo, Mr. Aviba Akuna, Mr. Chalington Owan, and any other individuals involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe trust that this serious matter will be treated with the urgency it deserves to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens in Nigeria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe above provisions of the Criminal Code Act speak for themselves and call for the urgent investigation, sanctioning, arrest and prosecution of Superintendent Tamarauebi Elisha Owan and others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also speaking on the issue, Chairman, ICHC, Apostle Bodmas Prince Kemepadei, urged the police to act fast before the matter degenerates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He said: \u201cWe are using this medium to call on the Nigeria police force to act before this matter degenerates into an inter-religious crises as we are doing all our best to calm the temper of our worshippers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe situation is nothing but a clear case of intimidation, harassment and infringement on our rights of worship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: Vanguard News<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Freeborn Abraye Traditional worshipers of \u201cOsuopele Deity\u201d in Delta State have described the alleged&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3375,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[671],"tags":[896,895],"class_list":["post-3376","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-metro","tag-demands-for-prosecution-of-officers-involved-in-the-act","tag-tradition-worshippers-of-osuopele-deity-in-delta-community-petitions-igp-over-destruction-of-worship-center"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/img_1687-1.jpg?fit=678%2C453&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":4819,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/09\/16\/breaking-group-demands-sack-of-police-area-commander-warri-south-lga-chairman-hon-weyinmi-isaac-agbateyiniro-over-removal-of-pere-of-ogbe-ijow-coronation-anniversary-banners\/","url_meta":{"origin":3376,"position":0},"title":"BREAKING: Group Demands Sack Of Police Area Commander, Warri South LGA Chairman, Hon. Weyinmi Isaac Agbateyiniro Over Removal Of Pere Of Ogbe-Ijow Coronation Anniversary Banners","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"September 16, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin The Warri Ijaw community stakeholders have condemned in the strongest terms the provocative and unlawful removal of the coronation anniversary banner of His Royal Majesty, King Couple Mackson Oromoni, Monbene III, Pere Amakosu of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, which was taken down at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2693-1.jpg?fit=914%2C562&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2693-1.jpg?fit=914%2C562&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2693-1.jpg?fit=914%2C562&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/img_2693-1.jpg?fit=914%2C562&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":907,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2021\/10\/28\/niger-delta-rights-activist-ozobo-calls-for-prosecution-of-police-officer-who-opened-fire-on-protesting-students-in-benin\/","url_meta":{"origin":3376,"position":1},"title":"Niger Delta Rights Activist Ozobo Calls For Prosecution Of Police Officer Who Opened Fire On Protesting Students In Benin","author":"Coastal Times","date":"October 28, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Coastal News Hon. Austin Ozobo. The Special Assistant to the governor of Delta state, Comrade Ozobo Austin has condemned the police shooting of a protesting Ijaw female student in NPDC headquarters in Benin, stressing that the erring police officers must be fetched out to face the music of the law.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Crime&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Crime","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/crime\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/screenshot_20211028-203957_chrome-1.jpg?fit=895%2C671&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/screenshot_20211028-203957_chrome-1.jpg?fit=895%2C671&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/screenshot_20211028-203957_chrome-1.jpg?fit=895%2C671&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/screenshot_20211028-203957_chrome-1.jpg?fit=895%2C671&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4647,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/14\/just-in-niger-delta-group-kicks-against-planned-release-of-ayiri-emamis-younger-brother-involved-in-drugs-smuggling-says-his-release-will-be-a-breach-of-the-constitution-of-the-federal-repu\/","url_meta":{"origin":3376,"position":2},"title":"JUST IN: Niger Delta Group Kicks Against Planned Release Of Ayiri Emami\u2019s Younger Brother Involved In Drugs Smuggling, Says His Release Will Be A Breach Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"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\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4648,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/14\/just-in-niger-delta-group-kicks-against-planned-release-of-ayiri-emamis-younger-brother-involved-in-drugs-smuggling-says-his-release-will-be-a-breach-of-the-constitution-of-the-federal-repu-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":3376,"position":3},"title":"JUST IN: Niger Delta Group Kicks Against Planned Release Of Ayiri Emami\u2019s Younger Brother Involved In Drugs Smuggling, Says His Release Will Be A Breach Of The Constitution Of The Federal Republic Of Nigeria","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 14, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"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\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/002b117b-471a-45e8-9df0-c9caf516d2c2-1.jpg?fit=803%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/002b117b-471a-45e8-9df0-c9caf516d2c2-1.jpg?fit=803%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/002b117b-471a-45e8-9df0-c9caf516d2c2-1.jpg?fit=803%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/002b117b-471a-45e8-9df0-c9caf516d2c2-1.jpg?fit=803%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3152,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2024\/10\/08\/ijaw-publishers-forum-vice-president-charles-oyinbi-onduku-petitions-delta-commissioner-of-police-ovwian-dpo-over-abduction-brutality-extortion-by-vigilante-group-demands-justice\/","url_meta":{"origin":3376,"position":4},"title":"Ijaw Publishers Forum Vice President, Charles Oyinbi Onduku Petitions Delta Commissioner Of Police, Ovwian DPO Over Abduction, Brutality, Extortion By Vigilante Group, Demands Justice","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"October 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye The Chief Executive Officer, CEO\/Publisher of Niger Delta Mirror Newspaper Online, Comrade Charlse Oyinbi Onduku who also doubled as the Vice President of the revered ljaw Publishers Forum (lPF) has petitioned the Nigerian police force, especially the Divisional Police Officer Ovwian over unlawful abduction, brutality and alleged\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/84e0b1c2-1e26-44b8-9907-00636304359d-1.jpg?fit=768%2C1020&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/84e0b1c2-1e26-44b8-9907-00636304359d-1.jpg?fit=768%2C1020&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/84e0b1c2-1e26-44b8-9907-00636304359d-1.jpg?fit=768%2C1020&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/84e0b1c2-1e26-44b8-9907-00636304359d-1.jpg?fit=768%2C1020&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1576,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2022\/02\/25\/just-in-delta-police-command-begins-investigation-of-prophet-jeremiah-omoto-futeyins-petition-on-character-assassination-blackmail-by-delta-bishop\/","url_meta":{"origin":3376,"position":5},"title":"JUST IN: Delta Police Command Begins Investigation Of Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Futeyin&#8217;s Petition On Character Assassination, Blackmail By Delta Bishop","author":"Coastal Times","date":"February 25, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Coastal News Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Futeyin, The General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry. The Delta State Police Command announced yesterday that it has started investigating Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Futeyin, the General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, Effurun's petition. DSP Bright Edafe, the Command's spokesperson, confirmed the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Crime&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Crime","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/crime\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/screenshot_20220225-142108_google-1.jpg?fit=507%2C285&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/sfDfBE-3376","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3376","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3376"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3376\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3379,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3376\/revisions\/3379"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3376"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3376"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3376"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}