{"id":4648,"date":"2025-08-14T16:40:43","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:40:43","guid":{"rendered":"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\/"},"modified":"2025-08-14T16:40:43","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T16:40:43","slug":"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","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"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\/","title":{"rendered":"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"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Esther David <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

INTRODUCTION:
LAW CANNOT BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is no \u201cminor offence\u201d 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 \u201cthe security and welfare of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any attempt to frustrate this prosecution will violate Section 15(5) of the Constitution, which commands the State to \u201cabolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FACTUAL BACKGROUND: DRUGS, GUNS AND POLITICAL PROTECTION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is not a news anymore that hard drugs, suspected cocaine and methamphetamine were intercepted in connection with Emami Ajetsibogho.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Political and ethnic influence networks have been activated to derail prosecution and suppress media coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shielding such crimes with political connections will hollow out the principle in Section 17(1) of the Constitution that \u201cthe State\u2019s social order is founded on ideals of Freedom, Equality and Justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HISTORICAL LESSON: WAR, DRUGS AND THE WARRI CRISIS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Niger Delta knows the cost of allowing guns, drugs and politics to mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Human Rights Watch documented that during the Warri Crisis (1997\u20132003), ethnic militias, including Itsekiri armed groups, burned Ijaw and Urhobo communities, displaced thousands and disrupted oil production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amnesty International reported how illicit funding and arms enabled militia leaders to hijack local governance and terrorise civilians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OUR DEMANDS: THE RULE OF LAW MUST PREVAIL<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. International Oversight
    Notify the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), ECOWAS and the African Union to prevent political interference and ensure transparency.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    FINAL WARNING: DELTA STATE WILL NOT BE A DRUG WAR ZONE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As Edmund Burke warned:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    We will not look away. We will not be silent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    SIGNED:
    Dr, Williams Tamarapreye<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hon. David k. Okpoghene<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Niger Delta Independent Advocacy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CC:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Chairman, NDLEA<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Inspector-General of Police<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Director-General, DSS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Attorney-General of the Federation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    National Security Adviser<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ECOWAS Commission<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    By Esther David INTRODUCTION:LAW CANNOT BE SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER The Niger Delta is…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":4237,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_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}},"categories":[13],"tags":[1359,1360],"class_list":["post-4648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-just-in-niger-delta-group-kicks-against-planned-release-of-ayiri-emamis-younger-brother-involved-in-drugs-smuggling","tag-says-his-release-will-be-a-breach-of-the-constitution-of-the-federal-republic-of-nigeria"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/002b117b-471a-45e8-9df0-c9caf516d2c2-1.jpg?fit=803%2C1080&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"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":4648,"position":0},"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 "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":4709,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/19\/breaking-ayiri-emamis-younger-brother-involved-in-drugs-smuggling-sentenced-to-10-years-imprisonment\/","url_meta":{"origin":4648,"position":1},"title":"BREAKING: Ayiri Emami\u2019s Younger Brother Involved In Drugs Smuggling Sentenced To 10 Years Imprisonment","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin Two drug kingpins Emami, Akpomuai convicted, sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Their conviction an indication NDLEA strategies are working, says Marwa Two notorious drug kingpins: 37-year-old Ajetsibo Emami popularly known as \u2018Warri Kinsman\u2019 and 51-year-old Solomon Akpomuai have been convicted and sentenced to a combined 10 years\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","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\/08\/img_1998-1.jpg?fit=966%2C710&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_1998-1.jpg?fit=966%2C710&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_1998-1.jpg?fit=966%2C710&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/img_1998-1.jpg?fit=966%2C710&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4211,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/06\/30\/breaking-younger-brother-of-ayiri-emami-caught-by-government-authorities-with-drugs-worth-billions-of-naira-as-authorities-rejects-bribe-presented-to-them-by-ayiri-emami-to-silence-the-case\/","url_meta":{"origin":4648,"position":2},"title":"BREAKING: Younger Brother Of Ayiri Emami Caught By Government Authorities With Drugs Worth Billions Of Naira, As Authorities Rejects Bribe Presented To Them By Ayiri Emami To Silence The Case","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"June 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Warri, Nigeria \u2014 The conscience of our nation is once again shaken. We have received credible reports that Emami Ajetsibogho, the direct younger brother of the controversial Itsekiri leader Ayiri Emami, has been allegedly apprehended by Government Authorities in connection with the smuggling of hard drugs worth\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Crime"","block_context":{"text":"Crime","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/crime\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0417-2-1.jpg?fit=1047%2C1030&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0417-2-1.jpg?fit=1047%2C1030&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0417-2-1.jpg?fit=1047%2C1030&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0417-2-1.jpg?fit=1047%2C1030&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4212,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/06\/30\/breaking-younger-brother-of-ayiri-emami-caught-by-government-authorities-with-drugs-worth-billions-of-naira-as-authorities-rejects-bribe-presented-to-them-by-ayiri-emami-to-silence-the-case-2\/","url_meta":{"origin":4648,"position":3},"title":"BREAKING: Younger Brother Of Ayiri Emami Caught By Government Authorities With Drugs Worth Billions Of Naira, As Authorities Rejects Bribe Presented To Them By Ayiri Emami To Silence The Case","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"June 30, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Freeborn Abraye Warri, Nigeria \u2014 The conscience of our nation is once again shaken. We have received credible reports that Emami Ajetsibogho, the direct younger brother of the controversial Itsekiri leader Ayiri Emami, has been allegedly apprehended by Government Authorities in connection with the smuggling of hard drugs worth\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Crime"","block_context":{"text":"Crime","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/crime\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0417-3-1.jpg?fit=994%2C764&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0417-3-1.jpg?fit=994%2C764&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0417-3-1.jpg?fit=994%2C764&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/img_0417-3-1.jpg?fit=994%2C764&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4461,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/07\/20\/niger-delta-group-raises-alarm-over-plots-to-sweep-itsekiri-born-british-soldier-micah-polo-gun-smuggling-case-and-ariyi-emamis-younger-brother-drug-smuggling-case-under-the-carpet\/","url_meta":{"origin":4648,"position":4},"title":"Niger Delta Group Raises Alarm Over Plots To Sweep Itsekiri Born British Soldier, Micah Polo Gun Smuggling Case And Ariyi Emami\u2019s Younger Brother Drug Smuggling Case Under The Carpet","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"July 20, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin AN OPEN LETTER TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, NSA, DSS, NIGERIANS AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY: EXPOSING THE DANGEROUS COLLUSION AND IMPUNITY IN ARMS SMUGGLING AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES Date: July 16, 2025 To: The Federal Government of Nigeria The National Security Adviser (NSA) The Directorate of State Security (DSS)\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","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\/img_1122-2-1.jpg?fit=683%2C1175&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_1122-2-1.jpg?fit=683%2C1175&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_1122-2-1.jpg?fit=683%2C1175&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":4725,"url":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/2025\/08\/20\/our-judiciary-must-not-aid-criminality-says-niger-delta-stakeholders-as-they-kick-against-secret-transfer-of-micah-polos-guns-smuggling-case-to-federal-high-court-port-har\/","url_meta":{"origin":4648,"position":5},"title":"\u201cOur Judiciary Must Not Aid Criminality\u201d Says Niger Delta Stakeholders, As They Kick Against Secret Transfer Of Micah Polo\u2019s Guns Smuggling Case To Federal High Court, Port Harcourt","author":"Freeborn Abraye","date":"August 20, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"By Uche Alvin We, the Niger Delta Justice Group, issue this urgent and emphatic press statement to alert the Nigerian public, civil society, and the international community to an unfolding judicial breach of monumental proportions. We have received credible and troubling intelligence that Suit No. FHC\/ASB\/84C\/2025 \u2013 Federal Republic of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Crime"","block_context":{"text":"Crime","link":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/crime\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_1122-1-1.jpg?fit=683%2C536&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_1122-1-1.jpg?fit=683%2C536&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/img_1122-1-1.jpg?fit=683%2C536&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pfDfBE-1cY","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4648","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=4648"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4648\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4237"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4648"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4648"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coastaltimes.com.ng\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4648"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}