By Palang Paul
The Young Nigerian Rights Organization (YNRO) has accused the Delta State Police Command of alleged economic sabotage, human rights violations, and abuse of office following the reported confiscation and sale of motorcycles belonging to members of the Hausa/Fulani community in the state.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Victor Ojei (Wong Box), and issued on Monday, the group alleged that officers of the command, acting under the supervision of the state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, forcefully took motorcycles from residential areas mostly occupied by Northerners and moved them into police custody.
The group described the action as “state-backed plunder and an assault on the most vulnerable”, claiming it violates constitutional provisions guaranteeing citizens’ rights to own property.
YNRO said although the state government had banned the use of motorcycles for transportation in 2024, no directive authorized their sale or conversion for personal gain.
Quoting the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, who reportedly told The Punch on October 16, 2025, that due process was followed in disposing of the seized motorcycles, the group challenged the claim, demanding transparency and documentary evidence.
“Where is the interim and final forfeiture order? When and where were these motorcycles advertised for public auction? Which radio stations aired the jingles announcing the sales? Where is the public record of the auction process allegedly conducted through DSP Winnie of the Operations Department?” the statement queried.
YNRO announced plans to petition the Chairman, Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly, to summon the Delta State Police Command to publicly account for all confiscated and sold motorcycles, and to produce documentation justifying the operation.
The organization also called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Police Service Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Minister of Police Affairs, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Security Adviser to investigate the allegations.
“This is no longer a Delta State issue, it is a national moral crisis. The Northerners (Hausa/Fulani) should not let this slide. Nigeria must not be a nation where justice is determined by ethnicity,” the statement added.
YNRO demanded the immediate suspension and investigation of CP Abaniwonda and all officers allegedly involved, as well as full restitution to victims whose motorcycles were seized and sold.
The group further urged the National Assembly to ensure that the Public Accounts Committee presents a transparent report to Nigerians within 90 days.
“We refuse to accept a system where ordinary citizens are stripped of their livelihood while those in uniform hide behind their badges to enrich themselves,” Ojei said.
He emphasized that YNRO would continue to mobilize and seek legal redress until justice is served.
“Nigeria cannot move forward if impunity remains our police culture. Enough is enough,” the activist concluded.
For media inquiries, YNRO directed reporters to contact its office via WhatsApp at +234 803 878 5262.
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