There is apprehension in Okuama, Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, over the death of the President General of the community, Pa James Oghoroko, in military detention.
Oghoroko is one of the leaders arrested by the Nigerian military since August 2024 over the killing of 17 soldiers.
Late Oghoroko was arrested alongside Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria and Mrs Rita Akata between August 18 and 20, 2024, and had remained in detention since.
The news of his death was revealed by leaders of Okuama during an emergency meeting held in the community on Thursday.
It was also revealed that Pa Dennis Okugbaye, another community leader in the military detention, is sick.
The report of Oghoroko’s death raised tensions in the community, with the family and other residents thrown into mourning.
Angry community youths were seen with long faces discussing the tragedy.
The community had approached a Federal High Court in Delta to secure the release of Oghoroko and the other detainees.
The court, at its last sitting on 20th November, 2024, had adjourned the bail application of the arrested leaders to 9th December, 2024.
However, on Wednesday, 4th December, 2024, one of the claimants died in military detention, without being charged to court since their arrest in August.
The community had, in August, through their lawyers filed suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024, between James Oghoroko and others versus the Nigerian Army and two others, demanding N100 million for the illegal detention of the community leaders.
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Earlier, following the demolition and destruction of Okuama community after the killing of 17 soldiers, the community, through their lawyers led by Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, had approached the Federal High Court, Warri, to seek redress.
The community filed different suits numbered FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/42/2024. The suits are now being consolidated.
Reacting to the news of the death of Oghoroko, the lead counsel, Akpomudje, said he will meet with the family members and his team to know what steps to take next.
