The President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa James Oghoroko, has reportedly passed away while in military custody.
Pa Oghoroko was detained in mid-August 2024, alongside other community leaders, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, and Pa Dennis Okugbaye.
Their arrests followed a violent clash in the area that resulted in the deaths of 17 soldiers, prompting a military crackdown on the community.
In response to the arrests, the Okuama community filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian Army, seeking N100 million in damages for illegal detention.
The Federal High Court, during its last sitting on November 20, 2024, had adjourned the bail application hearing for the detained leaders to December 9, 2024. Sadly, Pa Oghoroko’s death occurred just days before the hearing.
The news of his passing has left the Okuama community in shock and grief. Community leaders have convened an emergency meeting to address the situation.
Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, the lead counsel for the detained leaders, described the incident as “disturbing.”
He stated, “I will meet with family members and my team to determine our next steps.”
The tragedy has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the authorities.
