The President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa James Oghoroko died in military detention, allegedly as a result of severe torture and inhumane treatment.
His death, which occurred on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, has sent shockwaves through the community.
Oghoroko, along with several other prominent community leaders, was arrested in August 2024 following an outbreak of violence that led to the killing of 17 soldiers in the area.
The arrests were carried out by the Nigerian military, who detained the leaders without formal charges. Among those arrested alongside Oghoroko were Prof.
Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata. The military has kept them in an undisclosed detention facility ever since.
News of Oghoroko’s death was disclosed by the leaders of Okuama during an emergency meeting held in the community, where they expressed their horror over the incident.
Pa Dennis Okugbaye, another detainee, is reportedly in critical condition in the same facility, fighting for his life.
The community had previously raised alarm over the unlawful arrests of their leaders. In August 2024, Okuama’s legal representatives filed a suit against the Nigerian Army for the illegal detention of Oghoroko and the others. The lawsuit, FHC/WR/CS/84/2024, sought damages amounting to N100 million.
The case remains unresolved, with the Federal High Court in Warri adjourned to hear the bail application on December 9, 2024.
Meanwhile, the community has also sought judicial intervention in the aftermath of the destruction caused by the military following the soldiers’ deaths.
They filed multiple suits, including FHC/WR/CS/41/2024 and FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, seeking redress for the demolition of Okuama. The suits are currently being consolidated for further hearings.
Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, lead counsel for the community, expressed his shock at the news of Oghoroko’s death, describing it as a deeply disturbing development.
