One year after the arrest of six community leaders in connection with the killing of 17 soldiers, residents of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State are calling on President Bola Tinubu to secure their release or ensure they are given a fair trial.
At a press conference held in the village on Monday, the people of Okuama, under the platform of the Citizens Right Concern Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI), described the continued detention of their leaders by the Nigerian Army as a “gross violation of fundamental rights” and a clear departure from constitutional norms.
CRCEI Chairman and human rights advocate, Comrade Edewor Egedegbe, led the protest, naming those still held in military custody as Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Mr. Dennis Okugbaye, Mr. Dennis Amalaka, and Mrs. Mabel Owhemu.
A sixth detainee, Mr. James Oghoroko, reportedly died in custody while awaiting trial.
According to the community, the arrests occurred between August 18 and 19, 2024, following the tragic March 14, 2024 incident in which 17 military personnel were killed while on a peacekeeping mission in the area.
“The ongoing detention of our leaders without due process is an affront to democracy and a slap on the face of the Nigerian justice system,” the group declared.
The villagers said the detainees have been denied access to medical care, legal representation, and family visits for over 12 months.
They also criticized the military for refusing to hand over the case to civilian courts, insisting that handling such matters outside Nigeria’s judicial system erodes public trust and undermines the rule of law.
“Even in the most severe security situations, due process must be respected. If there’s no credible evidence to prosecute them, they must be released immediately,” the group said.
The community urged President Tinubu, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Ede Dafinone to intervene and ensure that justice is served not just for the slain soldiers but also for the detained community leaders, many of whom they claim are innocent.
They also demanded a transparent and independent investigation into the Forcados River killings to ensure accountability on all sides.
