...as The Leadership confirms That Owoupele Is a Verified And Legitimate Member Of The Presidential Amnesty Programme.

In a resolute statement, the leadership of the Reformed Niger Delta Ex-Agitators Forum (RNDEAF) has strongly condemned the recent arrest and ongoing detention of their National Chairman, Comrade Owoupele Eneoriekumoh Owous, popularly known as Owus Gabon. The forum, which represents beneficiaries of Nigeria’s Presidential Amnesty Programme, expressed deep concern over what they describe as fabricated charges and the perceived use of intimidation to silence their advocacy for crucial reforms.

According to the official press release issued by RNDEAF, Comr. Owoupele was apprehended by members of the Nigeria Police Force on June 6, 2025. The arrest took place at his residence in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where he was subsequently detained at the Puff Adder Police Station, located opposite the Ministry of Transport. The leadership explicitly refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting that Owoupele is an imposter or involved in blackmail, affirming that he is a legitimate, recognized member of the Presidential Amnesty Programme since its first phase. 

The statement emphasized Owoupele’s prominent role during the Niger Delta struggle, including his position as Agitator & Beach Commander under Gen. Boyloaf’s Camp before the Amnesty was proclaimed. The leadership described him as a dedicated and genuine ex-agitator who has contributed significantly to the movement—attributes they claim are being unfairly tarnished by those with vested interests.

RNDEAF’s leadership accused a certain individual, Ibena Salvation Rufus, Elaye Slabor, Emma Satu of carrying out the arrest on behalf of others associated with the Amnesty Programme Administration, specifically implicating Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, the current Amnesty Office Administrator. They argued that Owoupele’s 'crime' was advocating for reforms in the Amnesty Programme, including a crucial increase in stipends, reinstatement of previous beneficiaries, and collaboration with oil multinationals for regional development.

The press release detailed the key demands of the ex-agitators, which include:

-An increase of monthly stipends from ₦65,000 to ₦300,000 to reflect socioeconomic realities.
- Reinstatement of original beneficiaries who had been delisted.
- Partnership with oil companies to foster regional development aligned with the Niger Delta Recovery or Development Plan.

The leadership condemned what they see as a pattern of harassment and intimidation orchestrated by Otuaro’s office, which they argue exposes gross incompetence and a failure to address the genuine needs of Niger Delta youths. They criticized the approach of resorting to force and false charges instead of engaging in constructive dialogue.

Calling on Nigeria’s highest authorities, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and PANDEF, RNDEAF appealed for the immediate release of Comrade Owoupele. Despite the provocation, they vowed to maintain civility, urging members to abstain from protests and instead pursue legal avenues to secure their leader’s freedom.

They concluded on a note emphasizing the imperative of peace and stability in the Niger Delta, asserting that such conditions are vital for regional development. The leadership also reiterated their call for the increase in stipends, aligning it with the recent budgetary allocation of ₦151 billion approved by President Tinubu for the Amnesty Programme.

Authored by  

Ominidougouha I. Richard, Esq.  
Acting National Chairman, RNDEAF  

Okoi Okoi Ottor  
Acting National Secretary, RNDEAF