The Delta State Police Area Command in Ozoro has arraigned the Chairman of Emevor Community, Lucky Okeremu, alongside two other community leaders, for public flogging and assault of resident Ogaga Godspower Okedi over critical comments he made online.The defendants were charged with conspiracy, assault occasioning harm, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, and criminal intimidation.The incident sparked outrage after videos showed Okedi being beaten, forced to lie face down, and whipped with sticks.

Initial reports linked the assault to Facebook posts criticizing abandoned NDDC road projects, but subsequent findings pointed to comments in a community WhatsApp group about compensation for farmland destroyed by Fulani herdsmen.Okedi alleged the chairman invited women to register for compensation payments, which he criticized as emboldening herders.The chairman's camp denied the allegation, claiming the meeting was to secure a commitment against grazing in Emevor.Community leaders condemned the attack, stressing that no one has the right to intimidate residents over online opinions.The police confirmed the suspects were arrested, with others still at large.

The case highlights tensions between community leaders and residents over social media criticism and the legality of physical punishment by local authorities.