By Onome Oghenetega
Fourteen #EndSARS protesters who were arrested in connection with killing of a police corporal in Ughelli, Delta State, have been released.
NIGER DELTA TODAY (NDT) Online learnt that the arrested protesters were released on Thursday following the intervention of Delta Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
The protesters were arrested following the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, over the killing of the policeman whose service rifle was equally carted away by hoodlums who hijacked the protest.
Violence reportedly broke out when police operatives clashed with protesting youths during the #EndSARS protest that led to the killing of a policeman, Stanley Etaga, last week in Ughelli.
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Upon their arrested, the protesters were immediately charged to court and were remanded in police custody.
However, following legal advice from the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Peter Mrakpo, Governor Okowa prevailed on the Delta Police Commissioner, Hafiz Inuwa, to release the suspects.
Sources within the Okowa’s government confirmed the development to our correspondent.
It was gathered that Okowa directed his Justice Commissioner to enter for a Nolle Prosequi (will no longer prosecute) for the detailed protesters.
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It was learnt that the state police commissioner ordered the release of the detainees following the governor intervention.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the release of the protesters to NIGER DELTA TODAY (NDT) Online when contacted.
She, however, did not give reasons for the decision.
