Jubilation erupted in Okuama community in Ugheli Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday, where 17 soldiers were killed in March 2024.
The jubilation came when a Federal High Court sitting in Warri announced freedom for a professor and other community leaders.
Arthur Ekpekpo, a professor, and other Okuama leaders and chieftains were arrested and clamped into detention in August 2024 following killing of 17 soldiers in the area.
One of the leaders died in detention, bringing anguish to the community. The incident made ceaseless headline news.
Now, days of uncertainty over the fate of the detained community leaders seem to have come to an end. Indigenes contacted by this Correspondents said laughter has returned to their faces since March 2024.
The leaders were arrested by the Nigerian Military who first detained them in military facility.
The 17 soldiers were said to be in the community on a peace mission, but many reports said the villagers believed otherwise.
Now, with the order of their release by a federal High Court, Victor Akemor, an indigene of Okuama, said: “This is great news! Finally, we have reason to celebrate!” He said the residents were in celebration as the news of the court order spread to the community, Wednesday evening.
Akemor added, “The court is indeed the hope of the common man.”
He called on the Delta State Government to help facilitate their release. “We also thank the Urhobo kings and our lawyers for a job well done.”
The Justice, Hyeladzira Nganjiwa, while delivering judgment in a motion for release under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, filed by the applicants on May 4, 2026, ordered the unconditional release of the detainees.
Okuama community leaders, including Ekpekpo, Julius Oghoroko, Bernard Esegba, the President-General of Okuama community, Pa James Oghoroko, the president -general of the community, Dennis Okugbaye, Belvis Adogbo, Anthony Ahwemuria, and Rita Akata may regain freedom at last.
James Oghoroko, one of the detainees and the President of Okuama community, died in detention.
In Suit No. FHC/WR/CS/42/2024: Prof Arthur Ekpekpo & Ors v. Federal Government of Nigeria & Ors., the Justice had earlier granted a motion for the detained persons to be produced in court, but the Army allegedly failed to comply with the order.
During the hearing, Jonathan Ekperusi, with Andrew Ubido Esq., represented the applicants, while Magdalene Irorere held the brief of Ikhide Ehighelua for the 3rd and 5th respondents.
The court also fixed July 13, 2026, for the continuation of the hearing on the substantive matter.
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