The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Inspector-General of Police, Tunde Disu, to investigate the prolonged detention of four men arrested in connection with the MT THOR vessel in Delta State.
The group is demanding an immediate review of their continued detention, alongside an investigation into allegations of abuse of power and disregard for court orders by a senior police officer.
The four detainees, identified as Ebor Eric Kessiena, John Atawo Lawrence, Godwin Okpaje and Mukaila Sarumi, were reportedly arrested on December 15, 2025, following the interception of the MT THOR vessel at Koko, Warri, Delta State.
According to a petition submitted to the IGP on October 26, 2026, by their lawyers, the men were allegedly carrying out dewatering operations in the vessel’s engine room to prevent flooding and possible sinking when they were arrested.
The lawyers maintained that the vessel was being towed under Marine Police escort to the Warri jetty and was reportedly under the custody and control of the Admiralty Marshal in connection with proceedings before the Federal High Court.
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They also questioned the legal basis for the continued detention of their clients, who are reportedly being held at the Okere Correctional Centre in Warri.
HURIWA urged the police chief to order an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest, the evidence against the detainees and the handling of relevant court and Marine Police records.
The association also cited a recent intervention by the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, who reportedly approved the release of four men arrested over alleged links to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), alongside ₦20 million in compensation.
HURIWA described the DSS intervention as an example of accountability in security operations, urging the police leadership to demonstrate similar commitment to justice and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.
It stressed that national security concerns should not be used to justify arbitrary detention or disregard for judicial authority.
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