Deji Adeyanju: Powerful Interests Opposing Tompolo’s Fight Against Oil Theft

Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has alleged that powerful interests are working against the efforts of former Niger Delta militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, to curb crude-oil theft and environmental pollution in the Niger Delta.

Adeyanju made the claim while reacting to growing criticisms surrounding the pipeline surveillance contract awarded to Tompolo’s company to protect oil facilities across the region.

According to the activist, three categories of people are particularly opposed to the contract because Tompolo’s operations have significantly disrupted illegal activities linked to crude-oil theft.

He said the first group includes “some naval officers and other oil bunkers” who allegedly benefit from the illegal trade.

Adeyanju also pointed to former contractors who previously handled pipeline surveillance but failed to prevent vandalism and theft, a situation he said contributed to Nigeria’s crude oil production dropping to about 300,000 barrels per day at one point.

The third group, he added, consists of individuals he described as “blackmailers” seeking a share of the proceeds from the surveillance contract.

According to him, those benefiting from illegal bunkering now see Tompolo’s surveillance activities as a direct threat to their interests.