The President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa James Oghoroko, has reportedly died from torture and alleged inhumane treatment in military detention.
According to Vanguard, Oghoroko was among the leaders arrested by the Nigerian military in August 2024.
He, alongside other community leaders including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata, was taken into custody between August 18 and 20, 2024.
News of his death emerged during an emergency meeting held in the community, with leaders revealing that Pa Dennis Okugbaye, another detainee, is also critically ill in an undisclosed military facility.
In response to the arrests, the community filed a suit in August 2024, demanding N100 million for the illegal detention of their leaders.
Additionally, following the destruction of the community after 17 soldiers were killed, Okuama, through their lawyers, sought legal redress in several suits.
These suits were consolidated and the Federal High Court had set a hearing for the detainees’ bail application on December 9, 2024.
The death of Pa Oghoroko has caused grief in the community, with the family and local youths expressing outrage.
Lead counsel for the community, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN, expressed his concern over the incident, stating he would meet with the family to discuss next steps.
From Opera news
