The President-General of the Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria Pa James Oghorokor, has reportedly died due to alleged torture and inhumane treatment while in military detention.
Oghorokor, along with other community leaders, had been detained by the Nigerian military since August 2024. The detainees include Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs Rita Akata. They were arrested between August 18 and 20 and had remained in custody without trial.
Following an emergency meeting on Thursday, community leaders disclosed Oghorokor’s death and issued a plea to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene and secure the release of the remaining detainees.
The Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom leaders condemned the prolonged detention, describing it as a violation of the detainees’ fundamental human rights. They highlighted the detainees’ pre-existing health conditions and the substandard conditions in which they have been held.
Allegations and Legal Violations
The leaders claim the detainees are innocent of allegations linking them to the March 14, 2024, massacre of military personnel in Okuama. They emphasised that no formal charges have been brought against the detainees, who are entitled to due process under the law.
They cited constitutional protections, including:
- Right to life (Section 33(1) of the Nigerian Constitution).
- Freedom from torture or inhumane treatment (Section 34(1)).
- Right to personal liberty (Section 35(1)).
They further referenced provisions in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights guaranteeing fair treatment and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Call for Justice
The community leaders criticised the Nigerian Army’s refusal to release the detainees or transfer the case to the police for proper investigation. They also noted that a pending suit at the High Court in Warri and a bail application have been ignored.
Appeal to President Tinubu and Nigerians
The statement called on President Tinubu to direct the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, to take immediate action towards the release of the detainees. It also urged well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and demand adherence to the rule of law.
“For over 100 days, our brothers and sisters have suffered unjust detention without trial. Enough is enough,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed on behalf of the Okuama Community of Ewu-Urhobo Kingdom.
