Malafapha Destiny, Spokesperson for Oppressed Citizens of the Niger Delta, has expressed deep concern over the reported arrest, detention, and alleged persecution of Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela, describing the situation as a serious test of Nigeria’s commitment to human rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.

According to Destiny, the circumstances surrounding Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela’s reported imprisonment raise disturbing questions about the treatment of whistleblowers and activists who speak out against alleged abuses of power.

Destiny called on the Nigerian government and relevant security agencies to explain the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s detention and address the allegations that prompted his public disclosures.

“At the heart of this matter is a fundamental question: What happens when citizens who raise concerns about alleged human rights abuses find themselves facing arrest and imprisonment, while the allegations they bring forward remain unanswered?” Destiny asked.

Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela reportedly raised allegations against High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as well as Ekomieyefa, Ebipade Kari, and others. 

The allegations concern the purported operation of private detention facilities where Nigerians are allegedly subjected to cruel, degrading, and inhumane treatment.

Destiny stressed that these allegations are too serious to be ignored and must be subjected to a credible, independent, and transparent investigation. If substantiated, they could raise significant concerns about unlawful detention, human rights violations, and the protection of citizens under Nigerian law.

“Rather than allowing these allegations to be investigated openly and impartially, we are deeply concerned about the reported circumstances surrounding the detention of Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela. 

The authorities must make it clear to Nigerians whether the allegations he raised are being investigated and what legal grounds justify his continued detention, if he remains in custody,” Destiny stated.

Destiny maintained that the principles of justice require authorities to investigate allegations of wrongdoing on their merits, regardless of the status, wealth, influence, or political connections of the individuals implicated.

“A Just Nation Must Investigate Allegations, Not Persecute Whistleblowers. Citizens Who Expose Suspected Abuses Must Be Protected, Not Punished,” Destiny Said.

The spokesperson noted that the situation carries particular significance for the Niger Delta, a region whose people have endured decades of concerns surrounding marginalisation, environmental degradation, insecurity, and the struggle for accountability.

According to Destiny, the reported ordeal of Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela raises broader concerns about whether citizens and activists in the region can speak out against powerful interests without fear of intimidation, arbitrary detention, or persecution.

“The people of the Niger Delta have legitimate concerns about justice, equality, and accountability. No individual should be made to feel that speaking out against alleged wrongdoing could cost them their freedom. Security agencies must remain institutions of the law, not instruments for intimidating citizens or protecting influential individuals from legitimate scrutiny,” Destiny declared.

Destiny further called on the Nigerian government to provide a clear account of the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s reported arrest and imprisonment, disclose the legal basis for his detention, and ensure that his fundamental rights are respected.

The spokesperson emphasised that the allegations against Tompolo and the other individuals named must not be treated as proven facts without an impartial investigation. However, Destiny insisted that the seriousness of the allegations makes a transparent and evidence-based inquiry imperative.

“Let nobody misunderstand our position. We are not asking that anyone be condemned without evidence. We are demanding that the law be applied fairly and equally. 

“Those who raise allegations must be heard, and those accused must be given the opportunity to respond. The relevant authorities must investigate the facts without fear or favour, rather than subjecting whistleblowers to detention while those accused continue to walk free,” Destiny stated.

Destiny also challenged the relevant security agencies to explain what steps they have taken to investigate the allegations concerning the purported detention facilities and the treatment of individuals allegedly held there.

“Why does the reported detention of Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela appear to be overshadowing the serious allegations he raised? Have the relevant authorities conducted an independent investigation? What safeguards are in place to protect citizens who expose suspected abuses? Nigerians deserve answers, not silence,” Destiny added.

The spokesperson warned that public confidence in government institutions could be undermined if allegations of human rights abuses are not investigated transparently or if citizens believe that the law is applied differently depending on a person's influence.

Destiny called for the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s reported imprisonment to be independently reviewed, insisting that any unlawful detention or violation of his rights must be addressed in accordance with the law.

“The government must demonstrate that no individual is above the law and that no citizen can be deprived of liberty outside lawful procedures. If Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela’s rights have been violated, there must be an effective remedy. If there is a lawful basis for his detention, the authorities must establish it through due process. Justice must not be determined by influence, wealth, or political connections,” Destiny said.

Concluding the statement, Malafapha Destiny reaffirmed the commitment of the Oppressed Citizens of the Niger Delta to advocating for justice, accountability, and the protection of fundamental human rights throughout the region.

“This matter is bigger than one man. It concerns the kind of country we want Nigeria to be. A nation that claims to uphold democracy must protect the rights of its citizens, investigate credible allegations of abuse, and ensure that security agencies operate within the law.

“We therefore call on the Nigerian government and the relevant authorities to address the circumstances surrounding Apostle Ezekiel Daniel Perela’s reported imprisonment, ensure that his rights are protected, and investigate the grave allegations he raised through a transparent and impartial process.

“Justice cannot mean one standard for the powerful and another for those who dare to speak. When allegations of abuse arise, the answer must be investigation, not intimidation; transparency, not silence; and the rule of law, not the rule of influence.”