The President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, has reportedly died in military detention. Pa Oghoroko, detained by the Nigerian military since August 2024, passed away on Wednesday, reportedly due to severe torture and inhumane treatment.
The tragic news of his death was confirmed during an emergency meeting of Okuama community leaders on Thursday. Sources within the community disclosed that another detained leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, is battling a life-threatening illness in the same undisclosed military detention facility.
The death of Pa Oghoroko has plunged the Okuama community into mourning. He was arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, along with other community leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, Mrs. Rita Akata, and Pa Dennis Okugbaye. Since their arrest, they have been held in an unknown location without formal charges.
The community, through their legal representatives, had earlier filed a suit (No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024) against the Nigerian Army and two others, demanding N100 million in damages for the illegal detention of their leaders. This legal battle was sparked by the military’s actions, which included the demolition of Okuama following the killing of 17 soldiers in the area.
In addition to this, several other suits (No: FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/42/2024) were filed at the Federal High Court in Warri by the community’s legal team, led by Chief Albert Akpomudje SAN. These cases have since been consolidated.
At the most recent hearing on November 20, 2024, the Federal High Court adjourned the bail application for the detained leaders to December 9, 2024. Tragically, Pa Oghoroko died before the adjourned date, having spent nearly four months in military detention without being charged to court.
Reacting to the news, Chief Akpomudje described the development as “deeply disturbing.” He pledged to meet with the family of the deceased and the legal team to determine the next steps in seeking justice for the community and the detained leaders.
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