Rights group condemns police summons over FOI request in Delta

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

A Nigerian rights organisation has criticised the police in Delta State for summoning an activist after he requested public records under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act.

The group, Media Rights Agenda (MRA), said the summons issued to Victor Ojie, leader of the Young Nigerian Rights Organization, was a misuse of power and an attempt to intimidate a citizen for exercising a legal right.

In a statement signed by its Deputy Executive Director, Ayode Longe, MRA said Ojie had submitted a request to the Delta State Ministry of Lands and Survey seeking records and petitions related to land disputes in Aniocha South Local Government Area.

Instead of responding within the seven days required by the FOI Act, the organisation said the ministry involved the police, leading to a summonsissued by the State Intelligence Department in Asaba.

The police letter, dated 3 March 2026 and signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Ojokoh Julius, directed Ojie to appear before the department on 9 March.

MRA said the action could discourage citizens from using the FOI law to request information from public institutions and called on the Delta State Police Command and the Inspector-General of Police to withdraw the summons.