Court Orders Unconditional Release of Okuama Leaders

By Akpokona Omafuaire

WARRI — The Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State, ordered the unconditional release of Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo and other detained leaders of the Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area on Wednesday.

In a judgment delivered in a fundamental rights enforcement application, Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa granted the order while ruling on a motion filed on May 4 2026.

The case, Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/42/2024: Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo & Ors v. Federal Government of Nigeria & Ors, has a continuation hearing scheduled for July 13 2026 to address the substantive matter.

Earlier, the court had directed that the detained persons be produced before it, a directive that military authorities reportedly did not comply with.

Applicants’ counsel, Dr. Jonathan Ekperusi, appeared with Andrew Ubido, Esq., while Magdalene Irorere represented the 3rd and 5th respondents during the proceedings.

After the ruling, members of the Okuama community expressed relief and joy.

Victor Akemor, speaking on behalf of some community members, called the ruling a welcome development, saying, “This is great news. Finally, we have reason to celebrate. The court is indeed the hope of the common man.” He urged the Delta State Government to help implement the court order and praised community leaders and legal representatives for their efforts.

The detained individuals, including Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, President General of Ewu Kingdom; Chief Belvis Adogbo; Dennis Malaka; and Mabel Owhemu, have been in custody for nearly two years. One detainee, Pa James Oghoroko, reportedly died while in detention.

The Okuama leaders were arrested by military personnel between August 18 and 19 2024 after the killing of 17 soldiers near the community.

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