A Niger Delta activist, Comrade Ebebi-Ekisimene Timipre Princewill, has instituted a legal action against leaders of Torugbene Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State over what he described as an unlawful banishment from his ancestral home.
The suit, filed at the Delta State High Court, Bomadi Division, and marked HCB/FR/1/2026, lists Chief Julius Tarabiri Government, Barrister Oweilaemi Pereotubo, Mr. Oweipade Amaduobogha (Acting President, Torugbene Elders Consultative Forum), Mr. Eniyekorodo Okeren (Chairman, Torugbene Community 2025), and Mr. Brakaebi Young (Amananaowei, Torugbene Urban Community 2025) as respondents.
In his application, Princewill alleged that during a meeting held on December 7, 2025, the respondents imposed a banishment and social ostracism on him for opposing the community’s plan to lease portions of its land to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. He said his opposition resulted in a separate court action he filed against the community, referenced as HCB/31/2025.
According to the activist, the decision to banish him was widely publicised through the community radio, social media platforms, and the town crier. He further claimed that the fourth respondent, Mr. Eniyekorodo Okeren, warned him not to return to Torugbene Community, threatening that he would be assaulted and manhandled should he attempt to do so. As a result, Princewill said he has been prevented from returning home to see his family.
Princewill is now asking the court to declare the alleged banishment unlawful, arguing that it constitutes a gross violation of his fundamental rights, including his right to dignity of the human person, family life, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and freedom of movement.
Among the reliefs sought is an order compelling the respondents, jointly and severally, to pay ₦100 million as damages for the alleged infringement of his fundamental rights. He is also seeking a perpetual injunction restraining the respondents from further restricting his movement, harassing, or threatening him in connection with the earlier suit he filed.
Additionally, the applicant is requesting an order directing the respondents to issue a public apology through the community’s local radio, their social media platforms, and two national newspapers, alongside any other orders the court may deem appropriate in the circumstances.
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