The detained President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, has passed away
Oghoroko, one of the community leaders arrested by the Nigerian military in August 2024, reportedly died while in military detention on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. Sources indicate that his d3ath followed severe torture and inhumane treatment.
The news of Oghoroko’s death was announced on Thursday during an emergency meeting of the Okuama community leaders. The community leaders also expressed concern for another detained leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, who is reportedly battling a life-threatening illness in an undisclosed military facility.
Oghoroko’s death has plunged the entire Okuama community into mourning.
As previously reported, Oghoroko, along with other leaders—Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata—was arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024. The group has been held in an unknown detention facility since then.
In response to their unlawful detention, the Okuama community filed a lawsuit in August 2024 (Suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024) against the Nigerian Army and two other defendants, demanding N100 million for their illegal detention. The community had also sought legal redress for the destruction of Okuama after the killing of 17 soldiers, filing additional suits in the Federal High Court, Warri.
The most recent hearing was on November 20, 2024, when the Federal High Court adjourned a bail application for the detained leaders to December 9, 2024. However, before the hearing date, Pa Oghoroko passed away in detention.
Chief Albert Akpomudje SAN, who leads the community’s legal team, described the news of Oghoroko’s death as “disturbing” and stated that he would meet with the family and his team to decide the next steps.
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