Okuama community mourns as president-General dies in military custody

After the passing of its President-General, Pa James Oghoroko, Delta State’s Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area has fallen into grief.
According to information obtained, Oghoroko, one of the leaders detained by the Nigerian military since August 2024, has away as a result of torture and suspected cruel treatment while in military custody.

Between August 18 and 20, the late Oghoroko was detained along with Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata. Since then, he has been held in custody.
At a community emergency meeting, Okuama leaders broke the news of Oghoroko’s passing, according to Vanguard.

Pa Dennis Okugbaye, another leader in military custody, is fighting for his life in the unidentified military institution, the Community also disclosed.

Lead Counsel Olorogun Albert Akpomudje SAN responded to the news of Oghoroko’s passing by calling it heartbreaking and stating that he will speak with the family to determine what should be done next.

After 17 soldiers were killed and the Okuama hamlet was demolished, the community, represented by attorneys Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN) and others, went to the Federal High Court in Warri to demand compensation.

Suit Nos. FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/42/2024 were brought by the community via their knowledgeable counsel; these actions have since been merged.

In its most recent session on November 20, 2024, the Federal High Court postponed hearing the jailed leaders’ bail application until December 9, 2024.