CDHR condemns assault on VCRU Operatives in Delta, urges CP, Erale to profile suspect

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights,CDHR, Delta State Branch have condemned in strong terms an alleged mob asaault on operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit(VCRU) by suspected cultists in Okorodafe street,Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on 1st October,2026. 

This is contained in a statement by Comrade Derrick Oritsematosan Agberen and Comrade Nosa Overseey ,Chairman and Publicity Secretary respectively. 

"CDHR Delta condemns this criminal act without reservation. 

"Attacking security operatives is an attack on law and order."

In the statement,the CDHR demanded that those directly linked to the alleged assault on the operatives be properly identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The CDHR recalled that the VCRU operatives on routine patrol allegedly came in contact with a group of suspected cultists at a burial ceremony. 

The suspected cultists, believing the police came for them, launched an attack during which a policeman was brutally assaulted.

According to the CDHR,'However, in line with our mandate to defend human rights and act in the interest of citizens, our attention has been drawn to the arrest of Master Gani Progress, 24, an Automobile Electrician, in connection with the incident.

"From the facts available to us: the incident occurred at Okoroedafe while Master Gani Progress resides at Uloho Street, Ughelli town. He was at work on the day of the incident and had no knowledge of what transpired. 

"He was arrested in his sleep at his residence by men of the Delta State Command and transferred to Asaba the following day alongside other suspects. 

"Master Gani Progress is paternally Yoruba and maternally Isoko, from Igbide Community, Isoko North LGA. He has no prior criminal record and was raised in Delta State.

"We share in the pain and grievance of the Nigeria Police Force over this attack. But justice demands that the innocent must not suffer with the guilty.

"We have witnessed cases in the past where innocent citizens were remanded for offenses they knew nothing about, while the real perpetrators walked free.

'We therefore respectfully appeal that a thorough profiling and investigation be carried out on all suspects in custody. 

"No suspect should be arraigned or remanded on holding charges without credible evidence linking them to the crime.

"The case of Master Gani Progress be used as a test case for due process and fairness.

"The Police must get justice. But justice must also be done to every Nigerian."