The prolonged detention of Okuama community leaders by the Nigerian Army remains unresolved, as a Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State, adjourned proceedings yesterday until November 13, 2025.
The Okuama community, located in Ughelli South Local Government Area, has been embroiled in a legal battle over the unlawful detention of their leaders, which has now extended beyond a year.
The leaders in question—Prof. Author Okpeku, the President General of the community, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Mabel Owhemu—have been held by the military since August 18, 2024, following a violent incident in the community that resulted in the tragic deaths of 17 Army officers and soldiers. One of the detainees, Pa James Oghoroko, the president of the Okuama community, unfortunately passed away in detention.
At the latest court hearing, the Army’s legal representative informed the judge that a preliminary objection had been filed, challenging the suit brought by the Okuama community. The objection was yet to be heard, prompting the judge to inquire about the status of the matter. The Army’s counsel also expressed uncertainty about the whereabouts of the detained leaders, which caused a stir among the community members who were present at the hearing.
Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi, legal counsel for the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), expressed his dismay at the Army’s continued defiance of court orders, particularly the order to present the detained leaders in court. “The Army is not empowered to detain civilians,” Dr. Ekperusi remarked. “Only the police have the legal authority to do so. This is a grave violation of their rights.”
Pastor Edewor Ogedegbe, speaking on behalf of the Okuama community and the families of the detainees, voiced deep concern over the prolonged detention.
“We are a law-abiding community,” Pastor Ogedegbe said. “We have followed the legal process, but the authorities seem to be ignoring the rule of law. This situation has caused immense pain and frustration.”
