Attention: CP Aina Adesola
SUBJECT: PETITION AGAINST THE UNLAWFUL INVOLVEMENT OF DCP ALANI
ADEGOKE (SCID) IN TENANCY AND RENT MATTERS AT ROBINSON PLAZA, DECO
ROAD, WARRI
Sir,
We write to respectfully draw your attention to the disturbing and unlawful
conduct of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Alani Adegoke of the State
Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Delta State Police Command, regarding
the ongoing dispute involving tenants at Robinson Plaza, located on Deco Road,
Warri, Delta State.
On March 9, 2026, DCP Alani Adegoke reportedly issued directives to tenants of
Robinson Plaza that all accumulated rents must be paid before their shops could
be reopened, despite the fact that the premises have been illegally locked for over
one week. This directive is deeply troubling and represents a clear overreach of
police authority into a matter that is purely civil and within the jurisdiction of the
courts.
It is a well-established principle that the Nigerian Police Force is not a rent
collection agency. The constitutional and statutory duty of the police is to
maintain law and order, protect lives and property, and prosecute criminal
offences. Matters relating to rent recovery, tenancy obligations, and landlord
tenant-rent disputes are civil matters which must be handled by the appropriate
courts of law.
The tenants at Robinson Plaza are currently involved in a dispute arising from the
inheritance crisis surrounding the estate of Chief Kenneth Gbagi. As a result of the
confusion surrounding ownership and control of the property, the tenants
approached the courts to enforce and protect their lawful tenancy rights.
Unfortunately, instead of addressing the serious breaches of peace and acts of
intimidation that have occurred at Robinson Plaza, DCP Alani Adegoke has focused
on compelling tenants to settle rent payments. This is particularly concerning
because individuals identified as Emuoboh Gbagi and his mother, Mrs. Evelyn
Turner, have reportedly:
• Invaded the business premises at Robinson Plaza
• Locked tenants’ shops unlawfully
• Intimidated and harassed tenants
• Brought in thugs to threaten lawful occupants
• Engaged in acts capable of breaching public peace
These actions constitute serious threats to law and order, and one would
reasonably expect the police to investigate and prosecute such acts in accordance
with the law.
It is therefore alarming that DCP Alani Adegoke has failed to address these
violations and instead issued directives relating to rent payment, which falls
outside the lawful functions of the police.
Sir, the matter previously brought before your office by the tenants of Chief
Kenneth Gbagi was specifically to seek police protection from unlawful invasions,
intimidation, and illegal locking of their shops. The expectation was that the police
would restore peace, prevent further harassment, and ensure that the rule of law
prevails.
Rather than fulfilling this responsibility, the involvement of DCP Alani Adegoke in
rent-related directives creates the impression that the police are being used to
enforce private financial claims, which should properly be determined by the
courts.
We therefore respectfully request that your office:
1. Call DCP Alani Adegoke (SCID) to order and direct him to immediately
cease all involvement in rent collection or tenancy enforcement matters at
Robinson Plaza.
2. Remind him of the lawful limits of police authority, particularly that rent
disputes are civil matters exclusively within the jurisdiction of the courts.
3. Direct the Delta State Police Command to focus on maintaining peace and
order at Robinson Plaza, Deco Road, Warri.
4. Ensure that all acts of intimidation, unlawful locking of shops, and use of
thugs are investigated, and that any person responsible are prosecuted in
accordance with the law.
5. Prevent the Nigerian Police Force from being used as a tool for coercing
tenants to pay rent, which is not the duty of the police.
Emuoboh Gbagi and his mother, Mrs. Evelyn Turner, are free under the law to
approach the appropriate court to recover any rent they believe are owed. What is
unacceptable is the attempt to use the police to enforce private rents claims
outside judicial process.
We trust that your office will act swiftly to restore confidence in the neutrality and
professionalism of the Delta State Police Command, and ensure that the police
remain focused on their constitutional duty of maintaining peace, protecting
citizens, and upholding the rule of law.
Please accept the assurances of our highest regards.
Yours faithfully,
Zik Gbemre
March 9,2026
We Mobilize Others To Fight For Individual Causes As If Those Were Our Causes
Copy:
His Excellency
Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis
Orohwedor Oborevwori
The Executive Governor Of
Delta State,
Governor's Office,
P. M. B. 5001,
Asaba,
Delta State.
The Inspector General
of Police,
Latunji Disu
Nigeria Police Force,
Force Headquarters
Louise Edet House,
Area 11, Garai
Abuja.
Chairman Police ServiceCommission,
DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), Corporate Headquarters,
Plot 64, Cadastral Zone B 16,
Sector Centre B, Jabi,
Abuja.
The Director,
Department of State Services (DSS),
Delta State Command,
Asaba
Delta State.
