By Abiola Olawale
Eminent Chartered Accountant and Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district of Delta State in the Senate, Senator Ede Dafinone has mourned the passage of the President-General of Okuama Community in Delta State, Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko who passed away.
Oghoroko was said to have passed away while in the detention facility of the Nigerian Army.
It would be recalled that Pa Oghoroko was arrested in August 2024 alongside Prof Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria and Mrs Rita Akata, and all of them have remained in unknown detentions since.
The arrest followed the killing of 17 military officers who were on a peace mission in the community on March 14, 2024.
Reacting to the development, Dafinone expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Okuama people and the family of the late President-General.
The Federal lawmaker also took the opportunity to appeal to the Military authorities to release unconditionally Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa. Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs Rita Akata, who were arrested between August 18 and 20 this year, as a fallout of the Okuama crisis or charge them to a civil court.
The Senator representing Delta Central, in a press statement issued on Friday, added that the current posture of the military authorities, where they have assumed the position of prosecutor and the judge in their case, doesn’t speak well for Nigeria’s democracy.
The statement reads in part: “I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Pa James Achovwuko Oghoroko, President-General of the Okuama community, who died in military custody under distressing circumstances. Pa Oghoroko was a respected leader, dedicated to the progress and unity of Okuama.
“His demise is a painful loss to his family, the Okuama people, and Delta Central as a whole. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and the entire Okuama community during this difficult time. May God grant them the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
“While grieving this unfortunate incident, I strongly call on the military authorities to unconditionally release Prof. Arthur Ekpekpo, Chief Belvis Adogbo, Pa Dennis Okugbaye, Pa Anthony Ahwemuria, and Mrs Rita Akata, who were detained alongside Pa Oghoroko following the Okuama crisis. Whilst we await the official confirmation from the military authorities, the death of Pa Oghoroko in detention also calls into question the conditions under which prisoners are held by the Nigerian Army and, in particular, the continued good health of the remaining detainees from Okuama in Ughelli South.
“If there are allegations against these individuals, they must be charged to a competent civil court for a fair trial. The continued detention of these community leaders without trial violates their fundamental human rights and undermines the rule of law.
“The military’s current stance—acting as both accuser and judge—sets a dangerous precedent that is incompatible with Nigeria’s democratic ideals. Our democracy rests on the pillars of justice, equity, and due process, and any deviation from these principles erodes public confidence in our institutions. I urge the military to prioritize transparency and accountability, as they are essential for national unity and progress.
“As the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, I assure the Okuama people of my unwavering support in their quest for justice. I will continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected and together, we will ensure that the values of justice and democracy prevail.”
