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Ebikabowei "Boyloaf" Victor-Ben (born 1971) is former commander of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta.[1]
Ebikabowei hails from Ezetu town in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, although he was born in Ubiaruku town, Ukwuani,[2] in Delta State.
Ebikabowei Victor-Ben | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1971 Born at Ukwuani, Delta State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Other names | Boyloaf |
| Education | International Relations and Diplomacy |
| Alma mater | Baze University |
| Occupation(s) | MEND commander Politician Business Man Security Consultant |
| Known for | MEND |
| Spouse | Onyi Maris (m.2017) Faridia Olivia (m.2002) |
| Father | Chief Victor Ben |
| Relatives | Tueridei Victor-Ben, Selekaye Victor-Ben, Tari Victor-Ben, and Dembofa Victor-Ben. |
He attended Community Primary School in Amadiam and Stella Maris College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Thus, he spent his childhood in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers states, gaining insight into the living conditions of the Niger Delta. Boyloaf remains popular in the Niger Delta and is currently a Business man,[3] Security Consultant[4] and an active figure in the Nigerian Political scene.
Boyloaf is part of a large family, having eight brothers in total. Tragically, the eldest brother has passed away, leaving behind a close-knit group that includes Tueridei Victor-Ben, Chief Selekaye Victor-Ben, Tari Victor-Ben, and the youngest, Dembofa Victor-Ben.
His brother, Chief Selekaye Ben Victor, was elected in 2023 as a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly,[5] representing the Southern Ijaw Constituency IV. He ran under the banner of the All Progressive Congress (APC).[6]
As a child, Ebikabowei witnessed the deep-seated injustice in the Niger Delta, which motivated him to take a stand against it.[2] He initiated efforts to advocate for equity and justice in his community and soon found others who shared his passion.
He stated, “I don't consider myself a fighter by nature. Yet, the injustice I observed around me pushed me to take action. I was the only one among my friends who stood up for my people.”[2]
In his later years, Boyloaf became a prominent figure in the militant group MEND, where he held a high-ranking command position.[7] His leadership role placed him at the forefront of the organization's activities, which sought to address the issues facing the Niger Delta region. However, in 2009, he made a pivotal decision to leave MEND after being granted amnesty by then-President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. This amnesty program, facilitated by the Bayelsa State Government,[4] was part of a broader initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
Since his departure from MEND, Boyloaf has chosen not to align himself with any other militant organisations. Despite this, he remains deeply committed to the cause of his people and continues to harbor hopes for the eventual independence of the Niger Delta region.
Marriage
First Marriage: Boyloaf tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend,[8] Onyi Maris,[9] on May 3, 2017, in a ceremony in Houston, Texas.[10] The couple had previously welcomed a daughter and were expecting another child[9] at the time of their wedding, having dedicated their first child in 2016.[11]
Second Marriage: On November 19, 2022, Boyloaf remarried to Faridia Olivia,[12] in a ceremony in Markurdi, Benue State. Faridia is the widow of Audu Abubakar, the former Governor of Kogi State, Nigeria.
Education
In 2021, Ebikabowei Victor-Ben achieved a significant academic milestone by graduating with a first-class[13] honors degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Baze University in Abuja.[14] His education has equipped him with valuable insights and skills that he aims to apply in addressing the challenges faced by his community and the broader Niger Delta region.
Boyloaf joined the newly formed Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta in 2006.[15] Boyloaf soon rose to prominence in the ranks of MEND due to his expert commanding skills and was ranked 3rd highest in the ranks of MEND after Dokubo-Asari and Henry Okah. The name Boyloaf became well known throughout the Niger Delta and Boyloaf recruited hundreds of men and turned them into well trained soldiers. By 2008 Boyloaf had influence over many soldiers and people throughout the Niger Delta region. On August 27, 2009 Boyloaf was granted amnesty by the 13th Nigerian president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua GCFR in Port Harcourt. He was the first militant[4] and MEND member to receive amnesty from the federal government of Nigeria. After him, others followed.
Soon after leaving MEND he became active in the Nigerian political scene. On October 1, 2010 MEND planted two bombs in the capital Abuja killing 12 people and wounding 17. Boyloaf was arrested but soon released. Boyloaf was arrested again on January 13, 2012 after a car bomb had exploded in a town he had been in the previous day. Again he released soon after. In late 2012 Boyloaf began promoting the Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan for the 2015 Nigerian election. Due to the spike in MEND's activities in early 2013 Boyloaf was yet again arrested on February 4, 2013 and again released soon after. Even though Boyloaf's days of militancy are far behind him he says that if there is no progress in the Niger Delta and the people of the delta continue to suffer he will return to fighting.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
In early 2024, the interim administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) accused Boyloaf of financial misconduct. Allegations emerged that the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and other government MDAs violated financial transparency laws by approving significant payments of public funds into private accounts.[16]
A review of expenditure data from Govspend indicated that the Office of the Special Adviser to the Nigerian President on Niger Delta paid Boyloaf approximately N564.7 million between July and November 2023 in 18 transactions.[17]
Stakeholders in the Niger Delta have condemned these allegations against Chief Ebikabowei Victor-Ben (Boyloaf).[18] This coalition, which includes elders from the Ijaw National Congress (INC), members of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), traditional rulers, and various youth and women's organisations, characterised the claims as a targeted witch-hunt, a personal attack, and a deliberate effort to incite unrest and insecurity in the region.
Dispute with Tompolo
The conflict between Boyloaf and former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, known as Tompolo, stems from disagreements over pipeline surveillance contracts and the alleged management of the Presidential Amnesty Program (PAP).[19]
Boyloaf has accused Tompolo of monopolizing these contracts and using political connections to secure deals, sidelining other former militants in the process. Conversely, Tompolo claims that Boyloaf is trying to undermine his efforts and destabilize the region's progress achieved through these contracts.
This dispute has manifested in public accusations, with both sides alleging self-serving motives and failing to prioritize the interests of Niger Delta communities.[20] The Niger Delta Progressive Agenda, a group of stakeholders have made calls urging Boyloaf to reconcile with Tompolo.[21] They emphasize that unity among former militants is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta region. The group believes that resolving their differences can lead to better collaboration on community development and security issues, ultimately benefiting the local populace.
Controversy with Gen. Danjuma (rtd)
The conflict between Boyloaf and retired General Theophilus Danjuma centers on Boyloaf's assertions that Danjuma and other military officials exploit the Niger Delta's oil resources while neglecting the region's developmental needs.[22] Boyloaf has threatened to target Danjuma's oil assets if significant improvements for local communities are not forthcoming. He emphasizes the necessity for accountability and equitable treatment of Niger Delta residents regarding the region's oil wealth.[23]
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