Arrest of Indigene, Neglect: Delta Community Threatens to Shut Down Heritage Energy Operations

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Stakeholders of Orogun Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have threatened to disrupt the operations of Heritage Energy Operations Services Ltd (HEOSL) over continued detention of an indigene, Barrister Moses Oddiri, without trial over the alleged instigation infractions.

They are also demanding the oil firm pay all necessary dues to the community, which the said Oddiri had been agitating for, leding to his arrest by the Department of State Security (DSS) on the directive of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The stakeholders warned that their peaceful disposition should not be taken for weakness threatening to disrupt the operations of the oil firm if their demands were not met.

His Royal Majesty, The Okparauku of Orogun Kingdom and Custodian of the Orogun People, over the weekend, condemned the “unjust” arrest and continued detention of Oddiri because of his fearless advocacy for the marginalized community.

“With a solemn heart and unwavering resolve, I, His Royal Majesty, the Okparauku of Orogun Kingdom, address the people of Nigeria and the international community regarding the unjust arrest and ongoing detention of our son, Barrister Moses Oddiri, who has been held since 10 November 2025, without trial.

“Barrister Oddiri is a proud and accomplished son of Orogun, known for his steadfast dedication to justice, his integrity, and his fearless advocacy for the marginalized”, he said.

The Royal Father noted that his sudden and unexplained incarceration by the Department of State Security, reportedly at the behest of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), raises profound concerns, not only about his personal liberty but also about the integrity of democratic institutions and the sanctity of due process.

“As traditional custodians of justice and moral order, we cannot stand idle while one of our own is subjected to treatment that undermines the principles of fairness, transparency, and constitutional rights”, he added.

The Royal Father therefore called upon the relevant authorities to immediately disclose the grounds for his arrest, guarantee his access to legal counsel and medical attention and also uphold his fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

His words: “In addition, we urge both the government and the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas Host Communities to investigate the systemic injustices faced by the Orogun people over the years, particularly regarding the royalties owed to host communities. The voices of our people deserve to be heard, and justice must prevail.

“The Orogun Kingdom remains united and resolute in the face of this grave injustice. We urge all Orogun sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain calm, vigilant, and committed to the pursuit of truth and justice.”

Crown Prince Imogene Dominic of Orogun Kingdom expressed concerns about the lack of royalties from the oil companies operating in Orogun and highlighted the plight of one of their own, Moses Oddiri, who has been arrested for advocating for the release of the funds.

He urged Oddiri’s immediate release, emphasizing that his fight is for the benefit of the people.

Furthermore, he called on the Senate to intervene in the matter and expressed hopes for collaboration with the relevant committees to address issues related to oil and gas, while asserting the ongoing need for recognition and support from those in power.

Secretary of the Council of Orogun Kingdom, Chief Benson Okiriga Osukpa expressed concern over the ongoing situation in Orogun, highlighting the arrest and continued detention of Moses Oddiri.

He emphasized that this arrest has negatively impacted the community’s stability and called for his immediate release to restore peace in the community.

Chief Benson urged the government to take action to facilitate this resolution, reflecting the sentiments of his community who are eager for a return to tranquility

“We call upon them to join us in demanding either the immediate release or fair trial of Barrister Moses Oddiri, and to insist on full accountability and adherence to the rule of law.

Woman leader, Orogun community, Chief, Princess Cecilia Kaine, urged the authorities to urgently address the Orogun concerns about the failure of the oil firm to pay them their entitlements.

She emphasized the importance of returning the community’s resources to ensure the prosperity of Orogun, stating, “We do not want to be misled by those who claim to be seers but only seek to benefit themselves.”

The Youth President of Orogun, Bodmas Ogbagene expressed deep concern over the lack of benefits the community is receiving from ongoing issues affecting them.

He highlighted that Moses Oddiri their leader, is currently detained by the DSS creating unrest among the youths.

He urged the government to listen to their pleas and work towards the release of Oddiri, emphasizing that doing so would restore peace and allow their community to thrive.

Another stakeholder and Orogun community leader, Comrade Victor Akpobor, expressed frustration over the lack of benefits from oil exploration in their community.

He highlighted that companies like Heritage Oil have failed to fulfill their social responsibilities, leaving Orogun without essential development, scholarships, or visible impacts despite years of oil extraction.

Akpobor detailed ongoing efforts to uncover the whereabouts of oil royalties that should support community growth, mentioning petitions filed with the EFCC and recent concerns regarding the detention of activist Moses Odirri.

He called for intervention from various authorities, including the Senate Committee on Oil and Gas, emphasizing the need for accountability and the release of oil revenues for Orogun development.

Akpobor warned that while the people of Orogun prefer peaceful resolutions, they were prepared to take significant action if their demands were not met, signaling a potential escalation in their struggle for justice.

The stakeholders warned that the oil companies should not overreach their luck as “we can no longer allow them to take us for granted. We implore the operators to expedite actions to forestall any possible consequences that may result from a shutdown.”