By Ayo Kehinde
After nearly two years in detention, leaders of the Okuama community in Delta State have secured a major legal victory as the Federal High Court sitting in Warri ordered their unconditional release, reigniting calls for justice and accountability over the prolonged incarceration that followed the killing of 17 soldiers in the area.
Justice Hyeladzira Nganjiwa issued the order on Wednesday while delivering judgment in a fundamental rights enforcement application filed by the detainees in Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/42/2024: Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo & Others v. Federal Government of Nigeria & Others.
The ruling followed a motion filed on May 4, 2026, challenging the legality of the continued detention of the community leaders. The court also fixed July 13, 2026, for the continuation of hearing on the substantive suit.
Among those affected by the release order are Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, President General of Ewu Kingdom; Chief Belvis Adogbo; Dennis Malaka; and Mabel Owhemu, who have remained in custody since their arrest by military personnel in August 2024.
The detainees were arrested between August 18 and 19, 2024, during military operations launched in the aftermath of the killing of 17 soldiers near Okuama community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The deaths of the soldiers had sparked nationwide outrage and triggered an extensive military crackdown in the riverine community and surrounding areas.
However, the arrests and prolonged detention of community leaders subsequently drew criticism from human rights advocates, legal practitioners and concerned citizens who questioned the legality of holding the suspects for an extended period without the conclusion of legal proceedings.
During the proceedings, counsel to the applicants, Dr Jonathan Ekperusi, appeared alongside Andrew Ubido, while Magdalene Irorere held brief for the 3rd and 5th respondents.
The court had earlier directed that the detainees be produced before it, but the order was reportedly not complied with by military authorities, a development that further heightened concerns over adherence to due process and judicial authority.
The detention saga also recorded a tragic loss. One of the detained community leaders, Pa James Oghoroko, reportedly died while in custody, a development that intensified public outcry and demands for the release of the remaining detainees.
Following Wednesday’s ruling, members of the Okuama community expressed relief and joy, describing the judgment as a triumph of justice after months of uncertainty and anguish.
Speaking on behalf of some residents, Victor Akemor hailed the court’s decision as a long-awaited breakthrough.
“This is great news. Finally, we have reason to celebrate. The court is indeed the hope of the common man”, he said.
Akemor appealed to the Delta State Government to assist in facilitating the implementation of the court’s order and ensuring the immediate release of the detainees.
He also commended community leaders, legal representatives and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the outcome, expressing hope that the ruling would help restore confidence in the justice system and bring relief to affected families.
While the court has ordered the unconditional release of the detained leaders, the substantive suit remains before the court, with proceedings set to continue on July 13, 2026.
