‘Detained Okuama president died in military facility’

After three months of being detained in an unknown military facility by the Nigerian Army, the President General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Council Area, Delta State, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, has died in detention.

Oghoroko, who was one of the Okuama leaders arrested by the Nigerian military in August, following the killing of 17 military personnel in the community in March, allegedly died from torture.

His death was revealed yesterday by leaders of Okuama during an emergency meeting in the community. He was arrested alongside Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria and Rita Akata and detained in an unknown military facility.

The community also disclosed that Pa Dennis Okugbaye, another leader in military detention, is battling for his life in the undisclosed facility.

The community, through their counsel, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, had sued the Nigerian Army in August after they ransacked and destroyed the riverside community.

The Federal High Court, on November 20, 2024, adjourned the bail application of the arrested leaders to December 9 for a hearing.

Akpomudje said the death of Oghoroko was a disturbing development, and that he would meet with his family members and his team to know the next line of action.

In August, irked by their unlawful arrest, the community, through their lawyers, filed suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024 between James Oghorokor and others versus the Nigerian Army and two others, demanding N100 million for their illegal detention.

Following the demolition and destruction of the Okuama Community after the killing of 17 soldiers, the Community through their lawyers led by Olorogun Albert Akpomudje and others had approached the Federal High Court, Warri, to seek redress.

The community, through their learned counsel, filed Suit No FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, which are now being consolidated.