Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, the detained President-General of Okuama Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, has died.
Oghoroko, a community leader arrested by the Nigerian military in August 2024, reportedly died in military detention on Wednesday, SaharaReporters has reliably learned.
According to reliable sources, Pa Oghoroko died as a result of excessive torture and alleged inhumane treatment while in detention.
The news of his death was announced on Thursday by Okuama leaders during an emergency community meeting.
The leaders also expressed concern over another detained leader, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, who is reportedly suffering from a life-threatening illness in an undisclosed military facility.
Reports gathered that Pa Oghoroko’s death has plunged the entire Okuama community into deep mourning.
Pa Oghoroko, the President-General of Okuama Community, was arrested between August 18 and 20, 2024, along with Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs. Rita Akata. All have remained in an undisclosed detention facility since their arrest.
In August, the Okuama community, through their legal representatives, filed suit No: FHC/WR/CS/84/2024—James Oghoroko and others versus the Nigerian Army and two others—demanding ₦100 million in damages for their illegal detention.
Following the demolition and destruction of Okuama community after the killing of 17 soldiers, the community had earlier sought legal redress. Represented by their legal team, led by Chief Albert Akpomudje SAN, they filed suits No. FHC/WR/CS/41/2024, FHC/WR/CS/42/2024, and FHC/WR/CS/43/2024, which are currently being consolidated.
At its last sitting on November 20, 2024, the Federal High Court had adjourned the bail application for the arrested leaders to December 9, 2024, to hear the motion.
However, before the return date, one of the claimants, Pa Oghoroko, was reported to have died on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, in military detention without ever being charged in court since their arrest in August.
Meanwhile, Chief Albert Akpomudje SAN, who is leading the community’s legal team, described the news of the President-General’s death as “disturbing.” He added that he “will meet with the family members and his team to determine the next steps.”
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
