...as Police Superintendent Chris Nwaogbe, head of Operation Puff Adder, led the operation with his team and Ibena Salvation Rufus from the Amnesty Programme 2nd Phase To Arrest Owupele. 

In a development that has ignited tensions across the activist and political circles, Owoupele Eneoriekumoh Owous, the charismatic chairman of the Reformed Ex-Agitators Forum, was arrested this afternoon at his home in yenagoa, by men of the Nigeria Police Force. The arrest, allegedly motivated by accusations of cyberbullying, has sparked fears of political suppression amidst ongoing protests over the welfare of ex-agitators involved in the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

According to sources close to the matter, the arrest was orchestrated at the behest of an aide to President Bola Tinubu, Dennis Otuaro, who is also the Administrator of the Amnesty Office. The operation was reportedly commanded by Police Superintendent Chris Nwaogbe, head of Operation Puff Adder, assisted by personnel from his unit and an individual named Ibena Salvation Rufus from the Amnesty Programme 2nd Phase. Reports allege that Owus Owupele's arrest stems from complaints initiated by Rufus and others linked to the Amnesty Office.

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the ex-agitator community, whose representatives and supporters see Owous as a staunch defender of their rights. Renowned advocate for better welfare policies, Owous has been vocal in fighting for increased stipends and improved conditions for former agitators who, he claims, continue to be marginalized within the government’s Amnesty Programme.

In a statement issued by Barrister Ominidougha Richard, the National Secretary of the organization, the group announced plans to raise funds to secure legal representation for Owous. “We are calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to support our effort in securing a fair legal process. Contributions can be sent to the designated account,” Richard urged.

The incident has prompted fears of escalating confrontation. Ex-agitator leaders have declared their intention to mobilize en masse, with plans for a demonstration scheduled for June 7th at the Puff Adder Police Command Unit, demanding the immediate release of Owous. Leaders emphasize that the arrest appears to be motivated, allegedly aimed at silencing dissent and stifling advocacy for better welfare policies.

Already, the community is demanding accountability from the Nigerian government, with widespread calls for President Bola Tinubu to intervene. Critics accuse Otuaro of mismanaging the Amnesty Office, pointing to perceived neglect and misallocation of funds intended for ex-agitators' welfare. Calls for his replacement have gained momentum, with many demanding his dismissal should the allegations of mismanagement prove true.

As the nation awaits further developments, the plight of Owus Owupele has polarised opinion, symbolizing the broader struggle for justice, transparency, and the fair treatment of Nigeria’s ex-agitator population amid a tense political landscape.