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After Two Years in Custody and a Tragic Loss, Court Rules Okuama Leaders Must Go Free
A Federal High Court sitting in Warri, Delta State has ordered the unconditional release of detained leaders of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta state.
The court also fixed July 13, 2026, for the continuation of hearing on the substantive matter.
Hon. Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa gave the order while delivering his judgment in Motion for release under fundamental rights application rules, filed by the applicants on 4/5/2026.
In Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/42/2024: Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo & Ors v. Federal Government of Nigeria & Ors. Hon. Justice H. A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court Warri has earlier granted motion for the detained persons to be produced in court but the Army refused to obey the order.
Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi with Andrew Ubido Esq represented the applicants while Magdalene Irorere held the brief of Ikhide Ehighelua for the 3rd and 5th Respondents during the hearing.
The news of the court order was greeted with excitement by Okuama indigenes.
According to Victor Akemor, “this is great news, finally we got reason to celebrate. The court is indeed the hope of the common man.
“We call on the Delta State Government to help facilitate their release, we also thank the Urhobo kings and our lawyers for a job well done.”
Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, the President General of Ewu Kingdom, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Malaka, and Mabel Owhemu, have been held for almost two year.
One of the detainees, Pa James Oghoroko, the President of Okuama community, died in detention.
The detained Okuama leaders were arrested and detained by military men between August 18 and 19, 2024 after the unfortunate killing of 17 Army officers and soldiers near the community.
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