Tension in Okuama as detained community president dies in military custody

Tension in Okuama, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, following the death of the community’s President General, Pa James Oghoroko, while in military detention.

Oghoroko was among six community leaders arrested by the Nigerian military in August 2024 in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers. The others detained include Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata. Since their arrest between August 18 and 20, they had remained in custody without being formally charged.

The news of Oghoroko’s death was disclosed during an emergency meeting of Okuama leaders on Thursday. It was also revealed that another detainee, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, is gravely ill. The development has plunged the community into mourning, with residents expressing outrage and grief over the tragedy.

The community had earlier sought legal intervention at the Federal High Court in Delta State to secure the release of the detained leaders. At its last session on November 20, 2024, the court adjourned the bail hearing to December 9. However, Oghoroko died in custody on December 4, 2024, before his case could be heard.

Okuama’s legal team had also filed a lawsuit in August, demanding ₦100 million in damages for the alleged illegal detention of the leaders. The case, James Oghoroko and Others vs. the Nigerian Army and Others (Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024), is part of a broader legal effort to address the military’s actions following the killing of soldiers and subsequent destruction of the community.

The community’s lawyers, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, had previously initiated additional suits seeking redress for the demolition of Okuama. The cases, numbered FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/43/2024, are now being consolidated.

Reacting to Oghoroko’s death, Akpomudje stated that he would consult with the family and his legal team to determine the next steps. Meanwhile, the community remains in a state of shock, with angry youths expressing frustration over the loss and ongoing detentions.