Okuama Leader Dies in Military Detention After Alleged Torture

The detained President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, has reportedly died in military custody. Oghoroko, who had been arrested by the Nigerian military in August 2024, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, due to alleged excessive torture and inhumane treatment while in detention.

News of Oghoroko’s death was confirmed on Thursday during an emergency meeting of the Okuama community leaders, who expressed outrage and sorrow over his untimely demise. Sources within the community revealed that another detained leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, is currently in critical condition due to a life-threatening ailment, also in an undisclosed military facility.

The Okuama community has been in turmoil since the arrests, which took place between August 18 and 20, 2024, when Pa Oghoroko was detained along with other community leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata. Since their arrests, all have remained in undisclosed military detention, with no charges formally pressed against them.

The community had filed a lawsuit in August 2024 against the Nigerian Army and two other parties, seeking compensation for the illegal detention of the leaders. In the case, known as Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024, the community demanded N100 million in damages for their unlawful incarceration.

In addition, the Okuama community had previously sought legal redress following the destruction of the community and the killing of 17 soldiers in the area, filing multiple suits with the Federal High Court in Warri. One of these suits, Suit Nos. FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, was being consolidated at the time of Pa Oghoroko’s death.

At a hearing on November 20, 2024, the Federal High Court had adjourned the bail application of the detained leaders to December 9, 2024, but before the scheduled return date, Pa Oghoroko passed away under military custody.

Chief Albert Akpomudje SAN, who is leading the legal team representing the Okuama community, described the news of Oghoroko’s death as “disturbing” and expressed deep concern for the community. He confirmed that he would meet with the family and his legal team to determine the next steps.