The Department of State Services (DSS) has arrested Niger Delta activist Owoupele Owous, prompting concerns from his family and associates over his detention and alleged denial of access to lawyers and relatives.
Owous was reportedly arrested at about 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Itakpe Train Station, according to sources familiar with the matter. Subsequent attempts to contact him were reportedly unsuccessful.
“He did not respond to calls, and by evening, his phone went off,” a source said, requesting anonymity.
After his arrest, Owous was taken to Abuja and placed under the custody of the Karu Police Division for what officials described as “safe keeping.” Family and associates who attempted to visit him were reportedly told that he was not a police suspect and was only held temporarily.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, DSS operatives reportedly returned to the station and took Owous back into their custody. Since then, his family and legal representatives have allegedly been denied access, raising concerns about his welfare and the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Although the DSS has not officially disclosed a reason for the arrest, sources suggest it may be linked to Owous’ recent activism around the Presidential Amnesty Programme. He had publicly called for an increase in the monthly stipend for ex-agitators and demanded greater accountability from Dennis Otuaro.
Owous had also reportedly written to President Bola Tinubu, requesting decentralisation of the Niger Delta pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tantita Security Services, linked to former militant leader Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo.
Family members have expressed alarm over his arrest and the initial transfer to the Karu Police Station, alleging that Owous is being held incommunicado, and they have called for his immediate release. The DSS has not yet commented on the matter.
Owous had faced a separate charge last August at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite. The case, filed by former Inspector General of Police, accused Owous of cyberstalking for submitting a petition alleging threats and sponsored attacks by Dennis Otuaro against protesters in the Niger Delta.
The charge, numbered FHC/CR/325/2025, claims that Owous’ petition, disseminated via WhatsApp, Facebook, and other platforms, was false and intended to harass or intimidate, violating provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, 2025. Owous pleaded not guilty to the charge and was served with it on August 20, 2025, after his discharge from a Magistrate Court in Abuja.
