The Nigeria Police Force has declared Manfred Ekpe, a lawyer and spokesperson for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, wanted.
The announcement, issued in a Special Police Gazette Bulletin (Ref. CR/3000/AIS/DFA/Vol 2/64), cites allegations of cyberstalking, threats to life, criminal defamation, criminal intimidation, and conduct likely to disrupt public peace.
The notice, posted on social media on February 20, states that a High Court in Akwa Ibom had issued a warrant for Mr. Ekpe’s arrest.
Analysis of Mr. Ekpe’s Facebook page shows he has frequently criticised Governor Umo Eno. His earliest traceable post dates to May 26, 2024, questioning the governor’s London visit. Since then, he has repeatedly challenged state government policies, including the handling of compensation for land acquired for public projects.
Even after being declared wanted, Mr. Ekpe continued to voice criticism. On February 23, he described the governor’s position on the 76 oil wells dispute between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states as “mere rhetoric.”
In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Ekpe dismissed the charges as “laughable” and accused the governor of orchestrating the police action to silence opposition. He linked the move to his criticisms of compensation and land acquisition policies, citing the Stubbs Creek Forest Reserve and BUA refinery projects.
He also referenced the ongoing trial of God’sown Udoito, another critic of the governor, suggesting a pattern of targeting dissenting voices from the Ekid ethnic communities in Eket and Esit Eket. “I will pursue legal action and explore international avenues regarding human rights violations,” Mr. Ekpe said, without specifying details.
Police spokesperson Timfon John said due process preceded the declaration. According to her, petitions were received on January 13, prompting preliminary investigations. Multiple attempts to contact Mr. Ekpe by phone and at his residence failed. The police also reached out to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Eket Branch, on January 30, but were informed he is not a registered member. Following these steps, the police applied to a court for a warrant, which was granted on February 5.
The declaration was then circulated nationwide through the Criminal Investigation Department in Lagos. Petitions against Mr. Ekpe were submitted by the Nsit Ubium Amalgamated Media Forum and the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Legal Documentation. The forum is led by Ukokeekong Richmond, a known supporter of Governor Eno.
John Akpanudoedehe, chairman of the ADC Caretaker Committee in Akwa Ibom, said he was recently appointed and was still gathering details about the case. Another party official, Solomon Johnny, described the police involvement as excessive, suggesting the matter is primarily political. As of this report, Mr. Ekpe’s location remains unknown.
