Human rights advocate and lawyer, Frank Tietie, has called on military authorities to release several detainees from Okuama Community, including Dr Arthur Ekpekpo, a Professor of Physics at Delta State University; President-General of Okuama Community/Ewu Development Union, Chief Belvis Adogbo; Dennis Amalaka; and Mabel Owhemu.
Gatekeepers News reports that the individuals were allegedly arrested and have remained in detention since 2024 following a violent clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Delta State, which resulted in the killing of several Nigerian Army personnel.
Tietie acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations surrounding the killing of soldiers, describing it as a grave matter. However, he stressed that adherence to the rule of law remains paramount.
“The allegation of the killing of soldiers posed a grave danger,” he said, adding that “the law being the very foundation of society, must take its course or else, injustice would prevail.”
He further disclosed that one of the detainees, James Achovwuko Oghoroko, reportedly died while in military custody. He also noted that the community’s treasurer, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, was released on health grounds after reportedly falling ill during detention.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Tietie described the situation as deeply troubling, especially given the aftermath of the crisis, which saw a reprisal attack by soldiers that allegedly razed the community.
Two years after the incident, he said: “I am compelled, as a lawyer, human rights advocate, civil society leader, and media personality, to call for urgent national attention to the continued detention of leaders and members of the Okuama Community without charge or trial since 2024.
“This situation raises grave constitutional and moral concerns for a country that prides itself on adherence to the rule of law.”
Meanwhile, members of the Okuama Community have escalated pressure on political leaders, warning that they will boycott future elections if their detained leaders are not released.
The warning was directed at President Bola Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during a protest held in the community.
Chairman of Okuama Community, Mr Vote Johnwalker, told journalists that the decision stemmed from what he described as the community’s continued marginalisation.
“It has been about two years now since our leaders were arrested and detained by the military after the destruction of the community,” he said.
He added: “It is trite that the country is ruled by the law. When someone is accused of committing a crime, he is charged in court after arrest, and then the person is tried.”
