Isreal Opukeme, spokesperson for the Accountability for Niger Delta People's Voice Movement (NDPVM), has launched a scathing attack on Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, one of the sponsors of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's (PBAT) second-term campaign, accusing him of alleged kidnapping, operating a private detention facility, and involvement in human ritual activities.

Opukeme has called on the Federal Government to investigate the allegations and ensure that justice is served for two Niger Deltans allegedly held in captivity for more than a year.

In a strongly worded statement, Opukeme described Tompolo as a “blood-sucking demon,” accusing him of being responsible for the disappearance and alleged detention of several Niger Delta youths. He insisted that the continued silence and apparent inaction of government authorities over the alleged abductions amounted to a grave injustice against the affected families and the wider Niger Delta region.

The activist specifically cited the cases of Balamene Karowei and Charles Korubo, whose alleged kidnappings have continued to generate controversy and public concern within the region.

According to Opukeme, Balamene Karowei was allegedly kidnapped on July 11, 2024, by Bodmas Kemepadei, whom he claimed acted on Tompolo's orders. The incident, he alleged, took place in the presence of Karowei's family, leaving relatives traumatised and desperate for answers regarding his whereabouts and fate.

He also referenced the disappearance of Charles Korubo, who was allegedly kidnapped around November 2024 by Joshua Maciver and other individuals said to have acted on Tompolo's instructions. Opukeme claimed that an alleged insider, Ezekiel Daniel in a video had previously come forward to identify Maciver as one of those responsible for Korubo's abduction and subsequent transportation to Oporoza, where he was allegedly held in a private detention facility linked to Tompolo.

The allegations, which Opukeme said had continued to attract public attention, have raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the two men's disappearance and the prolonged uncertainty confronting their families.

According to the NDPVM spokesperson, the families of both Karowei and Korubo have repeatedly appealed to the Bayelsa State Government and the Federal Government to intervene, secure the release of their loved ones, and establish the truth about their alleged detention. He lamented that despite the appeals and emotional cries for help, no meaningful action had been taken by the authorities to resolve the matter.

Opukeme expressed particular concern over what he described as the disturbing reality of a private individual allegedly exercising powers associated with unlawful detention and criminal activities under a government that is constitutionally obligated to protect the lives and fundamental rights of citizens.

He questioned how alleged kidnappings and the operation of a private detention facility could persist without decisive intervention from security agencies, stressing that the continued disappearance of citizens should not be treated as an issue that can be ignored or indefinitely postponed.

The activist further criticised Tompolo's reported involvement in political mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term campaign, describing it as troubling that an individual facing such serious allegations could publicly campaign for the President while the families of the allegedly abducted youths continued to seek justice.

He argued that political influence and public standing should not shield anyone from accountability, insisting that the law must apply equally to all citizens, regardless of their status, influence, or political connections.

“The Federal Government cannot continue to fold its hands while our people disappear and the alleged perpetrators operate without consequences,” Opukeme said, according to the statement.

He maintained that the situation was particularly unfortunate given the constitutional responsibility of government to safeguard citizens' lives, protect their rights, and investigate allegations of criminal conduct without fear or favour.

Opukeme reiterated the movement's demand for the immediate release of Balamene Karowei and Charles Korubo, insisting that the authorities must establish their whereabouts and investigate the allegations surrounding their disappearance.

He also called on the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to ensure that Tompolo is investigated and, if found culpable, prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The NDPVM spokesperson warned that the Niger Delta people were closely monitoring developments and would not allow the alleged disappearances of the two youths to be forgotten or buried under political influence and official silence.

He stressed that the families deserved answers, justice, and the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones, adding that the allegations must not be swept under the carpet.

For the families of Balamene Karowei and Charles Korubo, the prolonged uncertainty surrounding their whereabouts remains a painful ordeal. Opukeme's latest intervention has renewed calls for government action, transparent investigations, and accountability over the alleged abductions.

The demand from the movement remains clear: the two men must be found, the allegations thoroughly investigated, and anyone found responsible brought before the law.