Outrage as Delta Community Chairman Allegedly Orders Public Flogging of Man Over Facebook Post on Abandoned NDDC Roads

A viral video showing the alleged public flogging of a community indigene in Delta State has sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria, with many demanding justice and accountability over what has been described as a blatant violation of human rights.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, July 9, in Emevor Community, Isoko North Local Government Area, where the community chairman, Lucky Okeremu, and members of his executive are accused of orchestrating the assault on Godspower Okedi after he criticised abandoned Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) road projects on Facebook.

The disturbing footage, which has been widely shared on Facebook, Instagram, and X, shows the victim allegedly being forced to lie face down on the ground while he was repeatedly flogged with canes, sticks, and pieces of wood before a gathering of residents.

According to eyewitnesses, Okedi had been invited by the community leadership to explain a Facebook post in which he questioned the poor state of NDDC road projects in Emevor and raised concerns about the involvement of an indigene based in Port Harcourt who allegedly facilitated the projects.

However, shortly after honouring the invitation, the situation reportedly turned violent.

A community resident who witnessed the incident alleged that Okedi was subjected to a humiliating and brutal beating.

“Godspower was mercilessly beaten, dehumanised and maltreated. He was flogged all over his body while lying on the bare ground in Emevor. The community chairman ordered members of his executive to carry out the barbaric and uncivilised act,” the eyewitness reportedly said.

The incident has intensified public attention on longstanding complaints about abandoned and poorly executed NDDC infrastructure projects across parts of the Niger Delta.

Residents of Emevor and neighbouring communities have repeatedly lamented that several road projects have either been abandoned or completed below acceptable standards, making transportation, farming, and commercial activities increasingly difficult.

Okedi’s social media post reportedly highlighted these concerns before the alleged assault occurred.

The President General of Emevor Community, Emmanuel Erezih, popularly known as Okpomo, condemned the incident, stating that violence could never be justified as a response to criticism expressed online.

He stressed that regardless of the content of any social media post, no individual should be subjected to physical assault or degrading treatment, promising to promote dialogue while ensuring justice, peace, and respect for human dignity within the community.

The President of the Isoko National Youth Assembly Worldwide, Eniwake Orogun, also condemned the incident and confirmed that the matter had been reported to the police.

Human rights advocates have equally reacted strongly, with Amnesty International Nigeria describing the alleged public flogging as a serious violation of fundamental human rights and calling for accountability.

In a swift response, the Delta State Police Command arrested Lucky Okeremu, alongside the chairman of the community vigilante group and the chairman of the community task force.

The suspects have reportedly been arraigned before a court on charges including unlawful apprehension, assault, infliction of bodily harm, and criminal intimidation relating to the alleged attack on Okedi.

The incident has reignited debate over the limits of traditional community authority and the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of expression, dignity, and protection from inhuman or degrading treatment.

As investigations continue and court proceedings commence, many Nigerians have taken to social media to demand justice for the victim while renewing calls for greater accountability in the execution of NDDC projects across the Niger Delta.

The case remains under investigation, and further updates are expected as legal proceedings progress.