BY JOEL GRANDBALL/UGHELLI
NEARLY four months after they were arrested at different locations in Delta State, the President-General of Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko has reportedly died in military detention.
The Pointer recalls that the troops of 181 Amphibious Batallion, Bomadi Local Government Area of the state, while on a peace mission to Okuoma community were ambushed and 17 soldiers killed.
Late Oghoroko, a lay judge and President-General of Okuama community was arrested alongside Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, Mrs. Rita Akata and Denis Malaka between August 18 and 20, 2024 and had remained in detention since their arrest.
The news of his death was revealed by leaders of Okuama during an emergency meeting held yesterday in the Community. The Community also revealed that Pa Dennis Okugbaye, another leader in the military detention is also battling for his life in the undisclosed military facility. Pained by their unlawful arrest in August, 2024, the community had through their lawyers filed suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024 between James Oghorokor and other versus the Nigerian Army and two others demanding N100m for their illegal detention.
Earlier, following the demolition and destruction of Okuama community after the killing of 17 soldiers, the community through their lawyers, led by Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, and others had approached the Federal High Court, Warri to seek redress.
The community, through their learned Counsel, filed Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, the suits are now being consolidated.
The Federal High Court in the last sitting of November 20, 2024 had adjourned the bail application of the arrested leaders to on December 9, 2024 to hear the motion.
Interestingly before the return date, one of the Claimants died on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 in the military detention without being charged to court since their arrest in August. Reacting to the news of the death of Oghoroko, the lead Counsel, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje, SAN, said that it was disturbing news to appropriate at the moment.
Akpomudje said he will meet with the family members and his team to know what steps to take next.
The reported news of Okuama community president general has caused sadness and displeasure amongst the community people, with the family thrown into mourning.
Angry community youths were seen with long faces discussing the tragedy.
