The Birikene Youth Movement (BYM) of Oporoza Town in the traditional headquarters of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State, has dismissed allegations of the existence of illegal private prisons in Oporoza and claims linking prominent Niger Delta leaders to the alleged detention of individuals, describing the accusations as false, misleading and lacking credible evidence.

Addressing journalists during its maiden official press briefing in Oporoza on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Movement said it was compelled to break its silence following what it described as repeated allegations by Mr. Jude Gbaboyor against Gbaramatu Kingdom and respected leaders, including High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo; the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), High Chief Dennis Otuaro; the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief (Engr.) Kestin Pondi; and Chief Godfrey Pondi.

In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Demeoteide Zibimoghan, the Movement noted that although it had previously refrained from responding to the allegations, its continued silence had created the impression in some quarters that the claims were true, but noted that there is no credible evidence to support allegations that illegal detention facilities exist in Oporoza under the control of any community leader, while urging Nigerians to rely on verified facts rather than rumours and unsubstantiated claims.

The Movement reaffirmed that Oporoza remains the traditional headquarters of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, stressing that the kingdom is committed to peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities, including the Itsekiri people, and has no interest in promoting conflict or ethnic division.

On allegations that Tompolo kidnapped some Itsekiri persons, the group said it was unaware of any credible evidence supporting such claims and called on relevant security agencies to conduct thorough, professional and impartial investigations into every allegation to establish the truth.

The Birikene Youth Movement also recalled the military operations carried out in Gbaramatu Kingdom in 2009 and 2016, noting that security forces conducted extensive searches across Oporoza and surrounding areas, including locations around the royal palace, while maintaining a security presence in the community for over a month.

"We also remind the public that the Nigerian military conducted major operations in Oporoza and other parts of Gbaramatu Kingdom in 2009 and again in 2016. During those operations, security forces searched several locations, including areas around the palace and other parts of the community. The military maintained a presence in Oporoza for more than one month while carrying out extensive security operations. In our view, if the alleged illegal private prisons existed as claimed, such facilities would likely have been discovered and brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities during those operations. This is one of the reasons we believe the allegations have no factual foundation," the statement reads.

The group further addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the community currently known as Zaghala (Ijaghala), maintaining that, according to the history and tradition of Gbaramatu Kingdom, the settlement was originally known as Zou-Ala-Iba, meaning "a community inside a creek", alleging that recent claims over the community by certain Itsekiri interests were unfounded and formed part of attempts to lay claim to territory belonging to Gbaramatu Kingdom.

The Movement, however, stressed that the press conference was not intended to attack any individual, community or ethnic group, but rather to protect the reputation of Oporoza, present its position on issues affecting the kingdom, and encourage responsible public discourse.

It called on media organisations, civil society groups and members of the public to verify information before publication or circulation, warning that false narratives and unverified allegations could create unnecessary tension among peaceful communities.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, unity, justice and development, the Birikene Youth Movement urged all parties to allow lawful institutions to investigate allegations instead of trying such matters in the court of public opinion.

The group expressed its appreciation to members of the media and the general public for providing the platform to present what it described as the “True position of Oporoza Town and Gbaramatu Kingdom.”

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