Ward Delineation: Warri Reclamation Thrust Approaches Federal High Court, Seeks Police Investigation into Alleged INEC Fraudulent Conduct

Warri, Delta State — August 19, 2025.

A coalition of young Itsekiri advocates under the aegis of the Warri Reclamation Thrust (WRT) has approached the Federal High Court sitting in Warri, seeking judicial intervention to compel the Nigerian Police Force to investigate alleged infractions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the recently conducted ward delineation exercise in Warri Federal Constituency.

The suit, filed as FHC/WR/CS/89/2025, was brought before the court by twelve applicants: Tsaye Edeyibo Mene, Bright Omaghomi, Osandatunwa Oritsematosan Priscilla, Lily-white O. Esigbone, Omatseyin Alfred, Edeyibo Laju, Momorin Misan, Ogharandukun Joseph Toritseju, Uremure Ayeoritsenasor, Awala Gbone, Adrian Edema, and Kwame Woods. The applicants, acting on behalf of Itsekiri voters, prayed the court to issue an Order of Mandamus directing the Police to act on a pending petition against INEC officials alleged to have manipulated the delineation process.

Represented by their counsel, Chief Robinson Ariyo, the group accused INEC of gross misconduct, insisting that despite a formal petition lodged with the Police, law enforcement had failed to investigate. They argued that the refusal amounted to a denial of justice and called on the court to intervene.

In an affidavit deposed to on Friday, August 15, 2025, the applicants alleged that certain INEC officials were compromised and financially induced by vested political interests to distort the delineation outcome in ways that undermine the integrity of Warri Federal Constituency.

The affidavit reads in part:

> “The above-named suspects fraudulently and in a corrupt manner conducted the ongoing delineation and/or re-delineation of Warri Federal Constituency by: (1) Creating fictitious communities to form units that make up wards; (2) Importing communities from outside the three Warri Local Government Areas (e.g., Burutu, Bomadi, Ughelli South, Udu in Delta State, and communities from Edo and Ondo States); (3) Illegally adjusting boundaries. That I verily believe the above conduct of the said suspects manifests the following specific offences under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Removal of boundary marks with intent to defraud contrary to Section 457 of the Criminal Code Act; Willfully causing damage to survey and boundary marks contrary to Section 458; Using deception to alter boundaries or gain advantage in a boundary dispute contrary to Section 418; and Conducting themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace in Warri and environs contrary to Section 249 (d).”

The applicants contend that if unchecked, the alleged fraudulent delineation poses a grave threat to peace, democracy, and the political representation of the Itsekiri people within the Warri axis.

The matter has now been scheduled for hearing, with expectations that the court’s decision could have far-reaching implications on both the credibility of INEC and the political equilibrium of Delta State.