Two Years On, Calls Grow for Release of Okuama Detainees

Human rights lawyer and activist, Frank Tietie, has urged the Nigerian military to release several detained leaders and members of the Okuama community in Delta State, who have reportedly been held since 2024 without trial.

Among those named are Dr. Arthur Ekpekpo, a Professor of Physics at Delta State University and President-General of the Okuama Community/Ewu Development Union, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Mabel Owhemu. They were allegedly arrested following a violent clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities that led to the killing of several Nigerian Army personnel.

Tietie described the incident as serious but stressed that adherence to the rule of law remains essential. He warned that failure to follow due legal process could lead to injustice.

He also revealed that one of the detainees, James Achovwuko Oghoroko, reportedly died in military custody, while another community leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, was released on health grounds after falling ill.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Tietie expressed concern over the continued detention of the individuals without formal charges, nearly two years after the incident. He said the situation raises significant constitutional and moral questions in a country that claims to uphold the rule of law.

Meanwhile, members of the Okuama community have threatened to boycott future elections unless their detained leaders are freed. The warning was issued during a protest against their continued detention.

Speaking on behalf of the community, Chairman Vote Johnwalker said the decision reflects growing frustration and a sense of marginalisation.

“It has been about two years since our leaders were arrested after the destruction of our community,” he said, adding that the law requires that anyone accused of a crime be charged and tried in court.

The community insists that justice must be served through proper legal channels rather than prolonged detention without trial.