Justice for Okuama detainees

The Okuama tragedy, which claimed the lives of 17 Nigerian Army personnel in March 2024, cast a dark shadow over the Delta State creeks. The subsequent military reprisal that devastated Okuama and led to numerous detentions was a national catastrophe. While the Delta State Government under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori acted swiftly to mediate and establish an IDP camp, providing a semblance of support for the displaced, the lingering issue of extra-judicial detention of Okuama's leaders in 2026 is deeply troubling.

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We find it deeply troubling that we are still discussing the extra-judicial detention of Okuama’s leaders in 2026.

Despite multiple Federal High Court orders compelling the military to produce Professor Arthur Ekpekpo, Ewu Development Union President Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Amalaka, and Mabel Ohwemu for trial, the Armed Forces have remained silent. The reported death of James Oghoroko in custody is an unhealed wound, highlighting a grave injustice. The Nigerian Armed Forces, an appendage of constitutional authority, are bound by the same laws as civilians. Their operation of a justice subsystem for military personnel does not extend to the indefinite detention of citizens, especially in defiance of court warrants.

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To detain citizens indefinitely, in defiance of court warrants, is an act of military impunity that belongs to a bygone era of khaki-clad dictators.

Such actions represent a dangerous return to the era of military dictatorship, subverting the very democracy the soldiers have sworn to protect. The call for President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief, to intervene is urgent. The Okuama community's "no election" ultimatum symbolizes their feeling of being ostracized within their own country. The President must direct the military to hand over these detainees to the Nigeria Police or appropriate judicial authorities. If evidence exists, it must be tested in a court of law, not in the secrecy of a military dungeon. Continued illegal detention will not honor the fallen heroes; it will only undermine the moral standing of the state.

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We call on President Bola Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief, to intervene immediately.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of past atrocities like Odi and Zaki Biam, illustrating the devastating consequences when the uniform is misused. While respecting those who ensure our security is paramount, the state's response to crime must always be guided by justice. Anything less is not a victory for security but a defeat for the rule of law. Allowing the legal process to unfold is the only path to true closure and reconciliation.

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If there is evidence of their involvement in the 2024 killings, let it be tested in the hallowed chambers of a court, not in the darkness of a military dungeon.